US Bridges

US 281 over Drain

Good

Bexar County, Texas · 0.30 MI NW of IH 410 · Structure no. 150150007308180

Built
1977
48 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
46 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
72,931
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Drain in Bexar County, Texas. It was built in 1977 and reconstructed in 2009, so it is 48 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 72,931 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 102,103 by 2042. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesDrain
Location0.30 MI NW of IH 410
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates29.52433, -98.48181
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic72,931 (2023)
Projected traffic102,103 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure9
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 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 over Drain built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is US 281 over Drain 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 over Drain carry?

About 72,931 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Drain?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns US 281 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.