US Bridges

US 281 over S Main Drainage Ditch

Good

Hidalgo County, Texas · 2.1 MI S of SH 107 · Structure no. 211090025508269

Built
2005
20 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
48,970
2011 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over S Main Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over S Main Drainage Ditch in Hidalgo County, Texas. It was built in 2005, so it is 20 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 48,970 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 68,560 by 2031. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesS Main Drainage Ditch
Location2.1 MI S of SH 107
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates26.27061, -98.15554
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic48,970 (2011)
Projected traffic68,560 by 2031
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure14
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 over S Main Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 over S Main Drainage Ditch 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over S Main Drainage Ditch carry?

About 48,970 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over S Main Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 281 over S Main Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.