US Bridges

CR 3261 (cr 71) over Drainage Ditch

Fair

San Patricio County, Texas · 0.80 MI NE of US 181 · Structure no. 162050AA0377001

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
53 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
52
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 3261 (cr 71) over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying CR 3261 (cr 71) over Drainage Ditch in San Patricio County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 52 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 52 by 2041. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 3261 (cr 71)
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.80 MI NE of US 181
RouteCounty Highway 3261
CountySan Patricio County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.99459, -97.40126
Functional classRural Local

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than 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 spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic52 (2021)
Projected traffic52 by 2041
Trucks3%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$45,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 3261 (cr 71) over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 3261 (cr 71) 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does CR 3261 (cr 71) over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 52 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CR 3261 (cr 71) over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns CR 3261 (cr 71) over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.