US Bridges

US 281 SB over Medina River

Fair

Bexar County, Texas · 2.25 MI N of Loop 1604 · Structure no. 150150007302004

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
823 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,435
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 SB over Medina River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying US 281 SB over Medina River in Bexar County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 90 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 5 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 10,435 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,190 by 2033. The structure is 823 ft (250.9 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281 SB
CrossesMedina River
Location2.25 MI N of Loop 1604
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBexar County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.25407, -98.4725
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+8 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length823 ft (250.9 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,435 (2023)
Projected traffic3,190 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$50,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 SB over Medina River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is US 281 SB over Medina River 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 SB over Medina River carry?

About 10,435 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 281 SB over Medina River?

The structure is 823 ft (250.9 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 SB over Medina River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.