US Bridges

IH 37 NB US 281 NB over IH 35 Etc

Fair

Bexar County, Texas · IH 35 & IH 37 Interchange · Structure no. 150150001710295

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
3,143 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
127,190
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 37 NB US 281 NB over IH 35 Etc is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 37 NB US 281 NB over IH 35 Etc in Bexar County, Texas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 127,190 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 178,066 by 2042. The structure is 3,143 ft (958 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 37 NB US 281 NB
CrossesIH 35 Etc
LocationIH 35 & IH 37 Interchange
RouteInterstate 37
CountyBexar County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.43684, -98.47695
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+39 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length3,143 ft (958 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.7 m)
Roadway width59 ft (17.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic127,190 (2022)
Projected traffic178,066 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesThird level (interchange)
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 37 NB US 281 NB over IH 35 Etc built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 37 NB US 281 NB over IH 35 Etc 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does IH 37 NB US 281 NB over IH 35 Etc carry?

About 127,190 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is IH 37 NB US 281 NB over IH 35 Etc?

The structure is 3,143 ft (958 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns IH 37 NB US 281 NB over IH 35 Etc?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.