US Bridges

US 281 SB over Galvan Creek

Fair

Atascosa County, Texas · 1.95 MI N of FM 3006 · Structure no. 150070007303006

Built
1919
106 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
86 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,922
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 SB over Galvan Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 SB over Galvan Creek in Atascosa County, Texas. It was built in 1919 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 106 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 1,922 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,580 by 2033. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281 SB
CrossesGalvan Creek
Location1.95 MI N of FM 3006
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyAtascosa County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.03899, -98.48541
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,922 (2020)
Projected traffic3,580 by 2033
Trucks9%
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 SB over Galvan Creek built?

It was built in 1919, making it 106 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is US 281 SB over Galvan Creek 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 SB over Galvan Creek carry?

About 1,922 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 281 SB over Galvan Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 SB over Galvan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.