US Bridges

SH 79 over Drain

Good

Throckmorton County, Texas · 0.5 MI W of FM 1711 S · Structure no. 032240028402002

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
330
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 79 over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying SH 79 over Drain in Throckmorton County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 96 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 330 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 613 by 2038. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 87 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

CarriesSH 79
CrossesDrain
Location0.5 MI W of FM 1711 S
RouteState Highway 79
StateTexas
Coordinates33.26617, -99.00561
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than 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 loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span3 ft (0.9 m)
Deck width87 ft (26.6 m)
Roadway width86 ft (26.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic330 (2020)
Projected traffic613 by 2038
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 SH 79 over Drain built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is SH 79 over Drain 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SH 79 over Drain carry?

About 330 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SH 79 over Drain?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 3 ft (0.9 m) and a deck 87 ft wide.

Who owns SH 79 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.