US Bridges

US 181 over Draw

Good

Bee County, Texas · 0.2 MI N of US 59 · Structure no. 160130010008093

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
62 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
8,630
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 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 8,630 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,040 by 2033. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long and 615 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 181
CrossesDraw
Location0.2 MI N of US 59
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates28.41239, -97.73066
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width615 ft (187.5 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,630 (2020)
Projected traffic12,040 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$209,000
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 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 8,630 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Draw?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 615 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.