US Bridges

US 59 On/Off Ramps over Draw

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 0.10 MI SW of FM 961 · Structure no. 132410008907031

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
46 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,164
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 On/Off Ramps over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 59 On/Off Ramps over Draw in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 92 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 5,164 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,300 by 2041. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 235 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 59 On/Off Ramps
CrossesDraw
Location0.10 MI SW of FM 961
RouteU.S. Route 59
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.27996, -96.13376
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry5: 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 spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width235 ft (71.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,164 (2021)
Projected traffic6,300 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
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 On/Off Ramps over Draw built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is US 59 On/Off Ramps over 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does US 59 On/Off Ramps over Draw carry?

About 5,164 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 59 On/Off Ramps over Draw?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 235 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 On/Off Ramps over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.