US Bridges

US 281 NB over UPRR

Fair

Bexar County, Texas · 2.00 MI S of IH 410 · Structure no. 150150007308208

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
430 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
59,382
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over UPRR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 NB over UPRR 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 59,382 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 83,134 by 2042. The structure is 430 ft (131.1 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesUPRR
Location2.00 MI S of IH 410
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBexar County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.49514, -98.48411
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length430 ft (131.1 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width57 ft (17.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic59,382 (2023)
Projected traffic83,134 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 UPRR built?

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

What condition is US 281 NB over UPRR 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 UPRR carry?

About 59,382 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over UPRR?

The structure is 430 ft (131.1 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over UPRR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.