US Bridges

FM 70 over Draw

Fair

Nueces County, Texas · 2.55 MI S of SH 44 · Structure no. 161780155802007

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
761
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, 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 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 761 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 730 by 2033. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 70
CrossesDraw
Location2.55 MI S of SH 44
RouteState Highway 70
CountyNueces County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.74647, -97.90273
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic761 (2022)
Projected traffic730 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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$56,000
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.

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

About 761 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is FM 70 over Draw?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns FM 70 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.