US Bridges

US 281 over Donna Main Canal

Fair

Hidalgo County, Texas · 0.95 MI W of FM 493 · Structure no. 211090022001010

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,554
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Donna Main Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 281 over Donna Main Canal in Hidalgo County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 76 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 6,554 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,560 by 2033. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesDonna Main Canal
Location0.95 MI W of FM 493
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyHidalgo County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.07869, -98.07543
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,554 (2019)
Projected traffic7,560 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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 Donna Main Canal built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is US 281 over Donna Main Canal 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 over Donna Main Canal carry?

About 6,554 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Donna Main Canal?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Donna Main Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.