US Bridges

US 281 over Draw

Good

Burnet County, Texas · 0.10 MI N of RM 1431 · Structure no. 140270025201006

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1956
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
29,502
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Draw in Burnet County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1956, so it is 95 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 29,502 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,220 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesDraw
Location0.10 MI N of RM 1431
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates30.57688, -98.27308
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionJune 2023
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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.2 m)
Roadway width63 ft (19.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,502 (2020)
Projected traffic37,220 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$44,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Draw built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.

What condition is US 281 over Draw 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 over Draw carry?

About 29,502 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Draw?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.