US Bridges

US 281 NB over San Antonio River

Fair

Bexar County, Texas · 0.65 MI NW of IH 35 · Structure no. 150150007308149

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
65,531
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over San Antonio River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 NB over San Antonio River in Bexar County, Texas. It was built in 1976, 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 65,531 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 91,744 by 2042. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesSan Antonio River
Location0.65 MI NW of IH 35
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates29.44753, -98.48058
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width77 ft (23.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic65,531 (2023)
Projected traffic91,744 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 San Antonio River built?

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

What condition is US 281 NB over San Antonio 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 NB over San Antonio River carry?

About 65,531 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over San Antonio River?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over San Antonio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.