US Bridges

US 281/SH 79 Nbfr over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Wichita County, Texas · 1.2 MI S of US 287 · Structure no. 032430024901052

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
46 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,830
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281/SH 79 Nbfr over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281/SH 79 Nbfr 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 2,830 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,960 by 2033. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 281/SH 79 Nbfr
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.2 MI S of US 287
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates33.87334, -98.48238
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 loadHS 20
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,830 (2013)
Projected traffic3,960 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 Nbfr over Drainage Ditch built?

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

What condition is US 281/SH 79 Nbfr 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 Nbfr over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 2,830 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

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

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.