US Bridges

US 281A over Lipan Creek

Fair

Atascosa County, Texas · 1.10 MI S of FM 1099 · Structure no. 150070007313025

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
175 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,760
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281A over Lipan Creek is a concrete slab carrying US 281A over Lipan Creek in Atascosa County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 1,760 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,470 by 2033. The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281A
CrossesLipan Creek
Location1.10 MI S of FM 1099
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyAtascosa County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.71831, -98.29407
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 20
Structure length175 ft (53.3 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,760 (2013)
Projected traffic2,470 by 2033
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281A over Lipan Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281A over Lipan 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 281A over Lipan Creek carry?

About 1,760 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 281A over Lipan Creek?

The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 281A over Lipan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.