US Bridges

US 77 over Drain

Fair

Nueces County, Texas · 0.40 MI N of SH 44 · Structure no. 161780037302020

Built
1974
51 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20,493
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 1974 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 51 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 20,493 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,920 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 77
CrossesDrain
Location0.40 MI N of SH 44
RouteU.S. Route 77
CountyNueces County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.79137, -97.6543
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 inspectionJanuary 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 spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,493 (2022)
Projected traffic29,920 by 2042
Trucks36%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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 US 77 over Drain built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 77 over Drain carry?

About 20,493 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is US 77 over Drain?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US 77 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.