US Bridges

SH 242 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Montgomery County, Texas · 2.25 MI S of FM 1488 · Structure no. 121700353801015

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
53 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
15,530
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 242 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 242 over Drainage Ditch in Montgomery County, Texas. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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 15,530 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,740 by 2033. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long.

Location

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CarriesSH 242
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location2.25 MI S of FM 1488
RouteState Highway 242
CountyMontgomery County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.20361, -95.49152
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,530 (2013)
Projected traffic21,740 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 242 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 242 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SH 242 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 15,530 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 242 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns SH 242 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.