US Bridges

US 181 over Draw

Fair

Bee County, Texas · 1.3 MI N of FM 3355 · Structure no. 160130010008088

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,491
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 1971, so it is 54 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 4,491 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,330 by 2033. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long and 198 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 181
CrossesDraw
Location1.3 MI N of FM 3355
RouteU.S. Route 181
CountyBee County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.45541, -97.76194
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width198 ft (60.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,491 (2020)
Projected traffic8,330 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$702,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 181 over Draw built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

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 4,491 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Draw?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 198 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.