US Bridges

US 281 over Draw

Good

Atascosa County, Texas · 0.10 MI N of FM 1470 · Structure no. 150070007303085

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,799
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Draw in Atascosa County, Texas. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,799 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,190 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 148 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesDraw
Location0.10 MI N of FM 1470
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates29.06843, -98.48493
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width148 ft (45.2 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,799 (2020)
Projected traffic8,190 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$333,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Draw built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 over Draw in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over Draw carry?

About 5,799 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Draw?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 148 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.