US Bridges

US 77 over Drain

Fair

Nueces County, Texas · 1.0 MI S of FM 665 · Structure no. 161780010203008

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,823
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 77 over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying US 77 over Drain in Nueces County, Texas. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 101 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 13,823 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,352 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 77
CrossesDrain
Location1.0 MI S of FM 665
RouteU.S. Route 77
StateTexas
Coordinates27.66138, -97.75549
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,823 (2022)
Projected traffic19,352 by 2042
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure4
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 US 77 over Drain built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is US 77 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 US 77 over Drain carry?

About 13,823 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is US 77 over Drain?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 77 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.