US Bridges

US 83 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Starr County, Texas · 4.10 MI W of FM 649 · Structure no. 212140003807065

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
18,719
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 83 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 83 over Drainage Ditch in Starr County, Texas. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 100 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 18,719 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,060 by 2033. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 92 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 83
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location4.10 MI W of FM 649
RouteU.S. Route 83
CountyStarr County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.40187, -99.00418
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior 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 spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width92 ft (28.1 m)
Roadway width91 ft (27.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,719 (2020)
Projected traffic30,060 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 US 83 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is US 83 over Drainage Ditch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 83 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 18,719 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 83 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 92 ft wide.

Who owns US 83 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.