US Bridges

US 281 NB over FM 162

Good

Hidalgo County, Texas · 2.4 MI S of FM 490 · Structure no. 211090025507253

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
204 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,649
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over FM 162 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 NB over FM 162 in Hidalgo County, Texas. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 years old, younger 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 9,649 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,260 by 2033. The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long and 42 ft wide.

CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesFM 162
Location2.4 MI S of FM 490
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates26.41651, -98.13737
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length204 ft (62.2 m)
Longest span112 ft (34.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,649 (2024)
Projected traffic13,260 by 2033
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 NB over FM 162 built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 NB over FM 162 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 NB over FM 162 carry?

About 9,649 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over FM 162?

The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long with a longest span of 112 ft (34.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over FM 162?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.