US Bridges

US 281 Nbfr over Salado Creek

Good

Bexar County, Texas · 0.75 MI S of Bitters RD · Structure no. 150150025304059

Built
1980
45 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
370 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
17,230
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 Nbfr over Salado Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 Nbfr over Salado Creek in Bexar County, Texas. It was built in 1980 and reconstructed in 1989, 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 17,230 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,120 by 2033. The structure is 370 ft (112.8 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 281 Nbfr
CrossesSalado Creek
Location0.75 MI S of Bitters RD
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates29.55437, -98.48566
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length370 ft (112.8 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.4 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck19 ft (5.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,230 (2013)
Projected traffic24,120 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Nbfr over Salado Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is US 281 Nbfr over Salado 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 Nbfr over Salado Creek carry?

About 17,230 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 281 Nbfr over Salado Creek?

The structure is 370 ft (112.8 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 Nbfr over Salado Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.