US Bridges

US 281 over Mercedes Main Canal

Fair

Hidalgo County, Texas · 0.80 MI W of FM 491 · Structure no. 211090022002007

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
110 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,779
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Mercedes Main Canal is a concrete slab carrying US 281 over Mercedes Main Canal in Hidalgo County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1954, 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 5,779 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,860 by 2033. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281
CrossesMercedes Main Canal
Location0.80 MI W of FM 491
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyHidalgo County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.08404, -97.91327
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: 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 rating54 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,779 (2019)
Projected traffic5,860 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Mercedes Main Canal built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is US 281 over Mercedes 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 Mercedes Main Canal carry?

About 5,779 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Mercedes Main Canal?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Mercedes Main Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.