US Bridges

US 281 NB over Sunset Road

Fair

Bexar County, Texas · 0.90 MI S of IH 410 · Structure no. 150150007308207

Built
1976
49 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
165 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40,587
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Sunset Road is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 NB over Sunset Road 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 40,587 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 57,550 by 2033. The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesSunset Road
Location0.90 MI S of IH 410
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBexar County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.5078, -98.47776
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length165 ft (50.3 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.6 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40,587 (2017)
Projected traffic57,550 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 NB over Sunset Road built?

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

What condition is US 281 NB over Sunset Road 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 2022.

How much traffic does US 281 NB over Sunset Road carry?

About 40,587 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Sunset Road?

The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Sunset Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.