US Bridges

US 181 SB over Aransas Creek

Fair

Bee County, Texas · 1.6 MI N of FM 797 · Structure no. 160130010101004

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
258 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
4,961
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 SB over Aransas Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 181 SB over Aransas Creek in Bee County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 91 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 4,961 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,946 by 2042. The structure is 258 ft (78.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 181 SB
CrossesAransas Creek
Location1.6 MI N of FM 797
RouteU.S. Route 181
CountyBee County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.27687, -97.6922
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadOther
Structure length258 ft (78.6 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,961 (2022)
Projected traffic6,946 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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$729,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 181 SB over Aransas Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is US 181 SB over Aransas Creek 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 181 SB over Aransas Creek carry?

About 4,961 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 181 SB over Aransas Creek?

The structure is 258 ft (78.6 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 SB over Aransas Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.