US Bridges

US 281 over Drain

Fair

Bexar County, Texas · 0.90 MI S of E Bitters RD · Structure no. 150150025304015

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
170,286
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 1932 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 93 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 170,286 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 238,400 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long.

CarriesUS 281
CrossesDrain
Location0.90 MI S of E Bitters RD
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates29.5525, -98.48686
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 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 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 spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic170,286 (2023)
Projected traffic238,400 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure15
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 Drain built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is US 281 over Drain 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 over Drain carry?

About 170,286 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Drain?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US 281 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.