Almost twenty years ago the Department began to develop durability data on types of culvert materials. In the interim, various stopgap as well as very judicious policies have issued. The present criterion or design practice applicable to Federal Aid projects was affirmed by the Bureau of Public Roads, May 24, 1965. Extensive field surveys have been conducted; various design innovations have been employed; and a "hot" test site has, in a demonstrative way, provided critical life-expectancy records. All past history had been documented previously; however, a brief retrospective summary will provide some continuity between forethought and certain issues now maturing.