US Bridges

US 77 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Refugio County, Texas · 7.45 MI SW of SH 239 · Structure no. 161960037102019

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
15,738
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 77 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 77 over Drainage Ditch in Refugio County, Texas. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 93 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 15,738 vehicles a day, roughly 41% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,404 by 2042. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 77
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location7.45 MI SW of SH 239
RouteU.S. Route 77
CountyRefugio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.44062, -97.13307
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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
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 spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 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 traffic15,738 (2022)
Projected traffic21,404 by 2042
Trucks41%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 US 77 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is US 77 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 77 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 15,738 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 41% are trucks.

How long is US 77 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US 77 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.