US Bridges

SH 70 over Drain

Good

Roberts County, Texas · 3.2 MI South JCT FM 283 · Structure no. 041970049004004

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1974
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,211
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 70 over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying SH 70 over Drain in Roberts County, Texas. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1974, so it is 74 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 1,211 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,180 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 87 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

CarriesSH 70
CrossesDrain
Location3.2 MI South JCT FM 283
RouteState Highway 70
StateTexas
Coordinates35.86986, -100.87733
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal 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 spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width87 ft (26.6 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,211 (2023)
Projected traffic3,180 by 2033
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 70 over Drain built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1974.

What condition is SH 70 over Drain 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SH 70 over Drain carry?

About 1,211 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is SH 70 over Drain?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 87 ft wide.

Who owns SH 70 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.