US Bridges

US 281 Sbfr over Salado Creek

Fair

Bexar County, Texas · 0.80 MI S of E Bitters RD · Structure no. 150150025304014

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
370 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
3,924
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 Sbfr over Salado Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 Sbfr over Salado Creek in Bexar County, Texas. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 92 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 3,924 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,494 by 2042. The structure is 370 ft (112.8 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281 Sbfr
CrossesSalado Creek
Location0.80 MI S of E Bitters RD
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBexar County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.55419, -98.48651
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans13
Design loadH 15
Structure length370 ft (112.8 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,924 (2023)
Projected traffic5,494 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$34,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 Sbfr over Salado Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is US 281 Sbfr over Salado Creek 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 Sbfr over Salado Creek carry?

About 3,924 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 281 Sbfr over Salado Creek?

The structure is 370 ft (112.8 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 Sbfr over Salado Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.