US Bridges

FM 70 over Draw

Good

Nueces County, Texas · 0.90 MI W of Bu 77 · Structure no. 161780155802004

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
694
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 70 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying FM 70 over Draw in Nueces County, Texas. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 71 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 694 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 972 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

CarriesFM 70
CrossesDraw
Location0.90 MI W of Bu 77
RouteState Highway 70
StateTexas
Coordinates27.59901, -97.80506
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum 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 spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length32 ft (9.8 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 traffic694 (2022)
Projected traffic972 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$72,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 70 over Draw built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is FM 70 over Draw 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 FM 70 over Draw carry?

About 694 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 70 over Draw?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns FM 70 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.