US Bridges

SH 234 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

San Patricio County, Texas · 1.05 MI NW of US 77 · Structure no. 162050050701001

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
59 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
1,069
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 234 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 234 over Drainage Ditch in San Patricio County, Texas. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 89 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 1,069 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,220 by 2033. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 234
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.05 MI NW of US 77
RouteState Highway 234
CountySan Patricio County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.95977, -97.59612
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadUnknown
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,069 (2020)
Projected traffic1,220 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$163,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 234 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is SH 234 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 234 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 1,069 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is SH 234 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 234 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.