US Bridges

US 281 over Bonita Creek

Fair

Atascosa County, Texas · 0.10 MI S of SH 97 · Structure no. 150070007304009

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
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 is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Bonita Creek 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 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 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).

Location

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CarriesUS 281
CrossesBonita Creek
Location0.10 MI S of SH 97
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyAtascosa County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.95536, -98.48412
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
CrossesWaterway
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$267,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Bonita Creek 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 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 Bonita Creek carry?

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

How long is US 281 over Bonita Creek?

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?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.