US Bridges

IH 37 over Drain

Good

Nueces County, Texas · 1.65 MI W of SH 358 · Structure no. 161780007406094

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
81,179
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 1968, so it is 57 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 81,179 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 118,551 by 2042. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesIH 37
CrossesDrain
Location1.65 MI W of SH 358
RouteInterstate 37
StateTexas
Coordinates27.80779, -97.49468
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 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 spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 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 traffic81,179 (2022)
Projected traffic118,551 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure11
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 37 over Drain 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 2024.

How much traffic does IH 37 over Drain carry?

About 81,179 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is IH 37 over Drain?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 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.