US Bridges

CR 81 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Nueces County, Texas · 3.50 MI N of FM 2826 · Structure no. 161780AA0218002

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
343
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 81 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying CR 81 over Drainage Ditch in Nueces County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 5 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 343 vehicles a day, projected to reach 250 by 2035. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 81
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location3.50 MI N of FM 2826
RouteCounty Highway 81
CountyNueces County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.79057, -97.75012
Functional classRural Local

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic343 (2016)
Projected traffic250 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 CR 81 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 81 over Drainage Ditch 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 2023.

How much traffic does CR 81 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 343 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is CR 81 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns CR 81 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.