US Bridges

US 281 over Bonita Creek Relief

Good

Atascosa County, Texas · 0.05 MI S of SH 97 · Structure no. 150070007304008

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,425
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Bonita Creek Relief is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Bonita Creek Relief in Atascosa County, Texas. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 99 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 5,425 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,720 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 77 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesBonita Creek Relief
Location0.05 MI S of SH 97
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates28.95615, -98.48413
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width77 ft (23.6 m)
Roadway width67 ft (20.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,425 (2020)
Projected traffic12,720 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$718,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Bonita Creek Relief built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is US 281 over Bonita Creek Relief 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 Bonita Creek Relief carry?

About 5,425 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Bonita Creek Relief?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 77 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Bonita Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.