US Bridges

US 181 over Draw

Good

Bee County, Texas · 4.5 MI N of FM 3355 · Structure no. 160130010008055

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,962
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 1940 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 85 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 5,962 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,780 by 2033. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

CarriesUS 181
CrossesDraw
Location4.5 MI N of FM 3355
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates28.50644, -97.77972
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,962 (2020)
Projected traffic11,780 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 1940, making it 85 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 5,962 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Draw?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.