US Bridges

FM 1944 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

San Patricio County, Texas · 7.30 MI E of US 77 · Structure no. 162050120803006

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
573
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1944 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete slab carrying FM 1944 over Drainage Ditch in San Patricio County, Texas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 573 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 850 by 2031. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1944
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location7.30 MI E of US 77
RouteState Highway 1944
CountySan Patricio County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.96874, -97.44374
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic573 (2022)
Projected traffic850 by 2031
Trucks7%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1944 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1944 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does FM 1944 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 573 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 1944 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1944 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.