US Bridges

US 181 over Draw

Good

Bee County, Texas · 1.3 MI SE of FM 1465 · Structure no. 160130010008038

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,947
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 1929 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 96 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 5,947 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,120 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

CarriesUS 181
CrossesDraw
Location1.3 MI SE of FM 1465
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates28.54991, -97.79092
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable 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 spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span3 ft (0.9 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.6 m)
Roadway width73 ft (22.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,947 (2020)
Projected traffic11,120 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 1929, making it 96 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 5,947 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Draw?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 3 ft (0.9 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.