US Bridges

FM 1856 over Draw

Good

Nolan County, Texas · 4.25 MI E of SH 70 · Structure no. 081770048801001

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
27 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1856 over Draw is a masonry culvert carrying FM 1856 over Draw in Nolan County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 86 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 125 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 210 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1856
CrossesDraw
Location4.25 MI E of SH 70
RouteState Highway 1856
CountyNolan County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.42293, -100.32001
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 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2020)
Projected traffic210 by 2033
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$79,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1856 over Draw built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is FM 1856 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 1856 over Draw carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is FM 1856 over Draw?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1856 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.