US Bridges

US 181 over Draw

Fair

Bee County, Texas · 1.7 MI N of FM 798 · Structure no. 160130010007032

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,841
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 181 over Draw in Bee County, Texas. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 102 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 4,841 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,430 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesUS 181
CrossesDraw
Location1.7 MI N of FM 798
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates28.66849, -97.82093
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.7 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,841 (2020)
Projected traffic9,430 by 2033
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 181 over Draw built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is US 181 over Draw 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 181 over Draw carry?

About 4,841 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Draw?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.