US Bridges

US 281/SH 79 Sbfr over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Wichita County, Texas · 0.7 MI SE of US 287 · Structure no. 032430024901049

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
85 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
3,440
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281/SH 79 Sbfr over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281/SH 79 Sbfr over Drainage Ditch in Wichita County, Texas. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 3,440 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,820 by 2033. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281/SH 79 Sbfr
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.7 MI SE of US 287
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyWichita County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.8791, -98.48006
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.1 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,440 (2013)
Projected traffic4,820 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 US 281/SH 79 Sbfr over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281/SH 79 Sbfr over Drainage Ditch 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 281/SH 79 Sbfr over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 3,440 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 281/SH 79 Sbfr over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns US 281/SH 79 Sbfr over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.