US Bridges

Bus 70 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Nolan County, Texas · 0.90 MI SW of SH 70 · Structure no. 081770026306024

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,120
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bus 70 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying Bus 70 over Drainage Ditch in Nolan County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 94 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 2,120 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,970 by 2033. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesBus 70
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.90 MI SW of SH 70
RouteState Highway 70
CountyNolan County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.4898, -100.39239
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.1 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,120 (2013)
Projected traffic2,970 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Bus 70 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Bus 70 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Bus 70 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 2,120 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Bus 70 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns Bus 70 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.