US Bridges

Shaw RD over Drainage Ditch

PoorPosted for load

Refugio County, Texas · 1.5 MI E of SH 35 · Structure no. 161960AA0204001

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Shaw RD over Drainage Ditch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Shaw RD over Drainage Ditch in Refugio County, Texas. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 60 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2035. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesShaw RD
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.5 MI E of SH 35
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRefugio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.38288, -96.88492
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2015)
Projected traffic10 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Shaw RD over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is Shaw RD over Drainage Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does Shaw RD over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Shaw RD over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Shaw RD over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.