US Bridges

FM 796 over Draw

Fair

San Patricio County, Texas · 1.65 MI N of IH 37 · Structure no. 162050202601001

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
50 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
519
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 796 over Draw is a concrete slab carrying FM 796 over Draw in San Patricio County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 519 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 851 by 2042. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 796
CrossesDraw
Location1.65 MI N of IH 37
RouteState Highway 796
CountySan Patricio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.00278, -97.67335
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating30.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic519 (2022)
Projected traffic851 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 796 over Draw built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 796 over Draw 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 FM 796 over Draw carry?

About 519 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 796 over Draw?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 796 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.