US Bridges

US 281 NB over Raymondville Drain

Fair

Hidalgo County, Texas · 1.6 MI S of FM 490 · Structure no. 211090025507293

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
250 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,649
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Raymondville Drain is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 NB over Raymondville Drain in Hidalgo County, Texas. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 years old, younger 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 9,649 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,300 by 2034. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesRaymondville Drain
Location1.6 MI S of FM 490
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyHidalgo County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.42789, -98.13538
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: 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 spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,649 (2024)
Projected traffic34,300 by 2034
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 NB over Raymondville Drain built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 NB over Raymondville Drain 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 Raymondville Drain carry?

About 9,649 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Raymondville Drain?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Raymondville Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.