US Bridges

US 281 SB over Olmos Crk

Good

Bexar County, Texas · 0.60 MI S of Basse RD · Structure no. 150150007308136

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
350 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
69,271
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 SB over Olmos Crk is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 SB over Olmos Crk in Bexar County, Texas. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 69,271 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 96,980 by 2042. The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 281 SB
CrossesOlmos Crk
Location0.60 MI S of Basse RD
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates29.48147, -98.48182
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length350 ft (106.7 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width57 ft (17.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic69,271 (2023)
Projected traffic96,980 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 SB over Olmos Crk built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 SB over Olmos Crk in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 SB over Olmos Crk carry?

About 69,271 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 281 SB over Olmos Crk?

The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 SB over Olmos Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.