US Bridges

US 181 over Draw

Good

Bee County, Texas · 0.9 MI N of FM 798 · Structure no. 160130010007033

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 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 1991, 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 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 4,841 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,430 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesUS 181
CrossesDraw
Location0.9 MI N of FM 798
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates28.65849, -97.81839
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.7 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,841 (2020)
Projected traffic9,430 by 2033
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure3
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$135,000
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 1991.

What condition is US 181 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 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 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.