US Bridges

US 281 NB over Bu 281 NB

Fair

Hidalgo County, Texas · 0.6 MI N of FM 1925 · Structure no. 211090025507046

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
387 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
15,716
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Bu 281 NB is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 NB over Bu 281 NB in Hidalgo 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 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 15,716 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,640 by 2031. The structure is 387 ft (118 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesBu 281 NB
Location0.6 MI N of FM 1925
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyHidalgo County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.34406, -98.14775
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length387 ft (118 m)
Longest span102 ft (31.1 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,716 (2024)
Projected traffic14,640 by 2031
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 NB over Bu 281 NB built?

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

What condition is US 281 NB over Bu 281 NB 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 NB over Bu 281 NB carry?

About 15,716 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Bu 281 NB?

The structure is 387 ft (118 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31.1 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Bu 281 NB?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.