US Bridges

US 181 SB over Dry Creek

Good

Bee County, Texas · 4.2 MI N of FM 797 · Structure no. 160130010101056

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
136 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,961
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 SB over Dry Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying US 181 SB over Dry Creek in Bee County, Texas. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 4,961 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,946 by 2042. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 181 SB
CrossesDry Creek
Location4.2 MI N of FM 797
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates28.3148, -97.70279
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,961 (2022)
Projected traffic6,946 by 2042
Trucks10%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 181 SB over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

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

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

About 4,961 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 181 SB over Dry Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 SB over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.