US Bridges

US 281 over Lorence Creek

Good

Bexar County, Texas · 1.10 MI S of Lp 1604 · Structure no. 150150025304011

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
61 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
138,777
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Lorence Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Lorence Creek in Bexar County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 91 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 138,777 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 194,288 by 2042. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long.

CarriesUS 281
CrossesLorence Creek
Location1.10 MI S of Lp 1604
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates29.59396, -98.47282
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic138,777 (2023)
Projected traffic194,288 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure16
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 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 over Lorence Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is US 281 over Lorence Creek 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 Lorence Creek carry?

About 138,777 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Lorence Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 281 over Lorence Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.