US Bridges

SH 44 over Drain

Good

Nueces County, Texas · 1.90 MI E of FM 666 · Structure no. 161780037302008

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
10,039
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 44 over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying SH 44 over Drain in Nueces County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 85 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 10,039 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,448 by 2042. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 163 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesSH 44
CrossesDrain
Location1.90 MI E of FM 666
RouteState Highway 44
StateTexas
Coordinates27.81103, -97.77048
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width163 ft (49.8 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,039 (2022)
Projected traffic12,448 by 2042
Trucks10%
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 SH 44 over Drain built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is SH 44 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 44 over Drain carry?

About 10,039 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 44 over Drain?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 163 ft wide.

Who owns SH 44 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.