US Bridges

SH 44 over Drain

Good

Nueces County, Texas · At Jim Wells County Line · Structure no. 161780037303022

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,628
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 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger 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 9,628 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,740 by 2042. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

CarriesSH 44
CrossesDrain
LocationAt Jim Wells County Line
RouteState Highway 44
StateTexas
Coordinates27.77705, -97.93351
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 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 spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,628 (2022)
Projected traffic6,740 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$610,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 44 over Drain built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

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 January 2024.

How much traffic does SH 44 over Drain carry?

About 9,628 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 44 over Drain?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns SH 44 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.