US Bridges

US 281 NB over Palo Blanco Crk

Fair

Bexar County, Texas · 1.65 MI N of Loop 1604 · Structure no. 150150007302005

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
156 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,720
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Palo Blanco Crk is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 NB over Palo Blanco Crk in Bexar County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1955, 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 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 4,720 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,190 by 2033. The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesPalo Blanco Crk
Location1.65 MI N of Loop 1604
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBexar County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.2442, -98.47319
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length156 ft (47.5 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,720 (2020)
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 NB over Palo Blanco Crk built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is US 281 NB over Palo Blanco Crk 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 NB over Palo Blanco Crk carry?

About 4,720 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Palo Blanco Crk?

The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Palo Blanco Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.