US Bridges

IH 40 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Wheeler County, Texas · 0.40 MI W of US 83 · Structure no. 252420027512114

Built
1973
52 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
12,837
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 40 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying IH 40 over Drainage Ditch in Wheeler County, Texas. It was built in 1973 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 52 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 12,837 vehicles a day, roughly 47% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,070 by 2033. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 40
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.40 MI W of US 83
RouteInterstate 40
CountyWheeler County
StateTexas
Coordinates35.23008, -100.25656
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 inspectionJuly 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
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 spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,837 (2020)
Projected traffic13,070 by 2033
Trucks47%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate 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 IH 40 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is IH 40 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does IH 40 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 12,837 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 47% are trucks.

How long is IH 40 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns IH 40 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.