US Bridges

US 281 over Drain

Fair

Hidalgo County, Texas · 0.30 MI S of FM 3072 · Structure no. 211090025509080

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,198
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Drain in Hidalgo County, Texas. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 5 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 11,198 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,500 by 2033. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesDrain
Location0.30 MI S of FM 3072
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates26.11919, -98.19676
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (11 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 traffic11,198 (2024)
Projected traffic14,500 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 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 over Drain built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 over 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over Drain carry?

About 11,198 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Drain?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 281 over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.