US Bridges

US 281 over Drain

Good

Bexar County, Texas · 0.20 MI S of Bitters RD · Structure no. 150150025304058

Built
1980
45 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
144,865
2020 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 1980 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 45 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 144,865 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 208,820 by 2033. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long.

CarriesUS 281
CrossesDrain
Location0.20 MI S of Bitters RD
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates29.5616, -98.48338
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic144,865 (2020)
Projected traffic208,820 by 2033
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure13
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
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 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is US 281 over Drain 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over Drain carry?

About 144,865 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Drain?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 281 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.