US Bridges

US 59 over Draw

Good

Wharton County, Texas · 0.45 MI S of FM 647 · Structure no. 132410008906174

Built
1976
49 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 59 over Draw in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1976 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 49 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 20,600 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,608 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesDraw
Location0.45 MI S of FM 647
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateTexas
Coordinates29.09886, -96.42501
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionDecember 2024
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
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,600 (2023)
Projected traffic34,608 by 2042
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 59 over Draw built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is US 59 over Draw 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Draw carry?

About 20,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Draw?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns US 59 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.