US Bridges

US 281 over Atascosa River

Fair

Atascosa County, Texas · 0.30 MI NE of FM 3350 · Structure no. 150070007303023

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
380 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
15,997
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Atascosa River is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 over Atascosa River in Atascosa County, Texas. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 89 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 5 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 15,997 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,540 by 2033. The structure is 380 ft (115.8 m) long and 77 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesAtascosa River
Location0.30 MI NE of FM 3350
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyAtascosa County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.96273, -98.48114
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior 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 spans11
Design loadH 15
Structure length380 ft (115.8 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width77 ft (23.6 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,997 (2020)
Projected traffic29,540 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 over Atascosa River built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is US 281 over Atascosa River 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 over Atascosa River carry?

About 15,997 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Atascosa River?

The structure is 380 ft (115.8 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 77 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Atascosa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.