US Bridges

US 285 over Downie Draw

Fair

Terrell County, Texas · 10.3 MI N of US 90 · Structure no. 062220029304041

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
438 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
1,559
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 285 over Downie Draw is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 285 over Downie Draw in Terrell County, Texas. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 1,559 vehicles a day, roughly 59% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,561 by 2040. The structure is 438 ft (133.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 285
CrossesDownie Draw
Location10.3 MI N of US 90
RouteU.S. Route 285
CountyTerrell County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.28029, -102.44157
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length438 ft (133.5 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,559 (2022)
Projected traffic1,561 by 2040
Trucks59%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 285 over Downie Draw built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 285 over Downie 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 285 over Downie Draw carry?

About 1,559 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 59% are trucks.

How long is US 285 over Downie Draw?

The structure is 438 ft (133.5 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 285 over Downie Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.