US Bridges

Old US 181 over Dry Creek

Fair

Bee County, Texas · 0.55 MI S of US 181 · Structure no. 160130AA0601001

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1953
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
127 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old US 181 over Dry Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Old US 181 over Dry Creek in Bee County, Texas. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1953, so it is 100 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2035. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld US 181
CrossesDry Creek
Location0.55 MI S of US 181
RouteCounty Highway 181
CountyBee County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.31356, -97.70076
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2015)
Projected traffic75 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Old US 181 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1953.

What condition is Old US 181 over Dry 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 2023.

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

About 50 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Old US 181 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Old US 181 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.