US Bridges

IH 45 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Montgomery County, Texas · 1.05 MI N of Harris C/L · Structure no. 121700011004017

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
243,893
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying IH 45 over Drainage Ditch in Montgomery County, Texas. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 99 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 243,893 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 341,450 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 340 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 45
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.05 MI N of Harris C/L
RouteInterstate 45
CountyMontgomery County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.12495, -95.44284
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width340 ft (103.6 m)
Roadway width265 ft (80.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic243,893 (2023)
Projected traffic341,450 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure16
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is IH 45 over Drainage Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does IH 45 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 243,893 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 340 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.