US Bridges

Ruben Chavez RD over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Nueces County, Texas · 1.00 MI W of Bus 77 · Structure no. 161780C00445001

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,020
2015 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ruben Chavez RD over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying Ruben Chavez RD over Drainage Ditch in Nueces County, Texas. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 1,020 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2035. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesRuben Chavez RD
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.00 MI W of Bus 77
RouteCity Street 0
CountyNueces County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.78341, -97.6848
Functional classUrban 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,020 (2015)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2035
Trucks3%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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 Ruben Chavez RD over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ruben Chavez RD 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 Ruben Chavez RD over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 1,020 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Ruben Chavez RD over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Ruben Chavez RD over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.