US Bridges

US 281/SH 79 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Wichita County, Texas · 1.2 MI S of US 287 · Structure no. 032430024901053

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
22,941
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281/SH 79 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281/SH 79 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 22,941 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,440 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281/SH 79
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.2 MI S of US 287
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyWichita County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.87341, -98.48291
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 inspectionMay 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 spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 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 traffic22,941 (2020)
Projected traffic27,440 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 over Drainage Ditch built?

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

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

About 22,941 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

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

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns US 281/SH 79 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.