US Bridges

FM 70 over Draw

Good

Nueces County, Texas · 4.7 MI W of SH 286 · Structure no. 161780155803009

Built
1943
82 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,443
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 1943 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 82 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 4,443 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,010 by 2033. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

CarriesFM 70
CrossesDraw
Location4.7 MI W of SH 286
RouteState Highway 70
StateTexas
Coordinates27.58616, -97.53094
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 inspectionJuly 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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,443 (2022)
Projected traffic5,010 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 70 over Draw built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

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 July 2024.

How much traffic does FM 70 over Draw carry?

About 4,443 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 70 over Draw?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns FM 70 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.