US Bridges

SH 12 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Orange County, Texas · 0.70 MI SW of Newton C/L · Structure no. 201810049903003

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
46 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 12 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 12 over Drainage Ditch in Orange County, Texas. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 84 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 5,900 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,860 by 2031. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 12
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.70 MI SW of Newton C/L
RouteState Highway 12
CountyOrange County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.23714, -93.8314
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable 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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width85 ft (26 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,900 (2022)
Projected traffic6,860 by 2031
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 SH 12 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is SH 12 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SH 12 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 5,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 12 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns SH 12 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.