US Bridges

SH 239 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Refugio County, Texas · 6.39 MI E of US 77 · Structure no. 161960034901003

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
2,545
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 239 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 239 over Drainage Ditch in Refugio County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1972, 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 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 2,545 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,327 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 239
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location6.39 MI E of US 77
RouteState Highway 239
CountyRefugio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.47605, -96.95523
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span7 ft (2 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.5 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,545 (2022)
Projected traffic4,327 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 SH 239 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is SH 239 over Drainage Ditch 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 239 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 2,545 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 239 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns SH 239 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.