US Bridges

IH 37 over Drain

Fair

Nueces County, Texas · 0.76 MI W of FM 1694 · Structure no. 161780007406015

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
83,648
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 37 over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying IH 37 over Drain in Nueces County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 91 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 83,648 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 124,572 by 2042. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesIH 37
CrossesDrain
Location0.76 MI W of FM 1694
RouteInterstate 37
StateTexas
Coordinates27.8609, -97.61344
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic83,648 (2022)
Projected traffic124,572 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure16
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 37 over Drain built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is IH 37 over Drain 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does IH 37 over Drain carry?

About 83,648 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is IH 37 over Drain?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns IH 37 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.