US Bridges

US 281 Sbml over Guadalupe River

Fair

Comal County, Texas · 3.95 MI N of SH 46 · Structure no. 150460025303019

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
612 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10,302
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 Sbml over Guadalupe River is a steel truss - thru carrying US 281 Sbml over Guadalupe River in Comal County, Texas. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 5 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 10,302 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,470 by 2033. The structure is 612 ft (186.5 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281 Sbml
CrossesGuadalupe River
Location3.95 MI N of SH 46
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyComal County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.85297, -98.40801
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length612 ft (186.5 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,302 (2020)
Projected traffic15,470 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 Sbml over Guadalupe River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 Sbml over Guadalupe River 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 Guadalupe River carry?

About 10,302 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 281 Sbml over Guadalupe River?

The structure is 612 ft (186.5 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 Sbml over Guadalupe River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.