US Bridges

US 79 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Williamson County, Texas · 4.75 MI E of FM 685 · Structure no. 142460020402053

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
67 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
729
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 79 over Drainage Ditch in Williamson County, Texas. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 84 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 729 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,482 by 2041. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location4.75 MI E of FM 685
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyWilliamson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.55375, -97.48461
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic729 (2020)
Projected traffic36,482 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
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 79 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is US 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 79 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 729 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US 79 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.