US Bridges

US 281 over Draw

Fair

Bexar County, Texas · 0.70 MI S of IH 410 · Structure no. 150150007308125

Built
1976
49 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
77 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
78,413
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Draw in Bexar County, Texas. It was built in 1976 and reconstructed in 2008, 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 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 78,413 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 109,778 by 2042. The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesDraw
Location0.70 MI S of IH 410
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates29.51048, -98.47639
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length77 ft (23.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic78,413 (2023)
Projected traffic109,778 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure12
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 281 over Draw built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is US 281 over Draw 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over Draw carry?

About 78,413 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Draw?

The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 281 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.