US Bridges

US 181 over Draw

Fair

Bee County, Texas · 0.3 MI N of FM 797 · Structure no. 160130010101024

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,169
2022 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 1976, 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 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 5,169 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,236 by 2042. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS 181
CrossesDraw
Location0.3 MI N of FM 797
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates28.25845, -97.68717
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 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
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 length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,169 (2022)
Projected traffic7,236 by 2042
Trucks10%
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$336,000
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 1976.

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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 181 over Draw carry?

About 5,169 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Draw?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns US 181 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.