US Bridges

FM 253 over Draw

Good

Newton County, Texas · 1.00 MI W of SH 87 · Structure no. 201760094702004

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
596
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 253 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying FM 253 over Draw in Newton County, Texas. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 74 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 596 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 858 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

CarriesFM 253
CrossesDraw
Location1.00 MI W of SH 87
RouteState Highway 253
StateTexas
Coordinates30.42526, -93.82128
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic596 (2022)
Projected traffic858 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 FM 253 over Draw built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is FM 253 over Draw in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does FM 253 over Draw carry?

About 596 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is FM 253 over Draw?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns FM 253 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.