US Bridges

US 281 over Drainage D

Good

Hidalgo County, Texas · 1.7 MI S of Bus 83 · Structure no. 211090025509031

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
27,625
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Drainage D is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Drainage D in Hidalgo County, Texas. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 61 years old, older 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 27,625 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,670 by 2033. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 96 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesDrainage D
Location1.7 MI S of Bus 83
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates26.17011, -98.18816
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width96 ft (29.3 m)
Roadway width84 ft (25.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,625 (2023)
Projected traffic36,670 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Drainage D built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is US 281 over Drainage D 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 over Drainage D carry?

About 27,625 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Drainage D?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 96 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Drainage D?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.