US Bridges

US 281 over Draw

Good

Burnet County, Texas · 1.80 MI S of SH 29 · Structure no. 140270025201025

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
25,839
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 1959 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 66 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 25,839 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,400 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 104 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesDraw
Location1.80 MI S of SH 29
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates30.73433, -98.2375
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width104 ft (31.6 m)
Roadway width83 ft (25.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,839 (2020)
Projected traffic28,400 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Draw built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

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 25,839 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Draw?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 104 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.