US Bridges

US 281 Sbml over Cibolo Creek

Fair

Comal County, Texas · 1.75 MI S of FM 1863 · Structure no. 150460025303006

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
587 ft
17 main spans
Daily traffic
16,900
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 Sbml over Cibolo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 Sbml over Cibolo Creek in Comal County, Texas. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1957, so it is 92 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 16,900 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,690 by 2033. The structure is 587 ft (178.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281 Sbml
CrossesCibolo Creek
Location1.75 MI S of FM 1863
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyComal County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.7198, -98.4438
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans17
Design loadH 15
Structure length587 ft (178.9 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,900 (2020)
Projected traffic18,690 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Sbml over Cibolo Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is US 281 Sbml over Cibolo Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 Sbml over Cibolo Creek carry?

About 16,900 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 281 Sbml over Cibolo Creek?

The structure is 587 ft (178.9 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 Sbml over Cibolo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.