US Bridges

US 281 over Draw

Good

Comal County, Texas · 0.05 MI N of SH 46 · Structure no. 150460025303054

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
54 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
23,971
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Draw in Comal County, Texas. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 23,971 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,950 by 2033. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long.

CarriesUS 281
CrossesDraw
Location0.05 MI N of SH 46
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates29.79836, -98.41911
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,971 (2020)
Projected traffic30,950 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure10
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 over Draw built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

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 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over Draw carry?

About 23,971 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Draw?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US 281 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.