US Bridges

US 281 NB over Rio Grande River

Fair

Hidalgo County, Texas · Hidalgo Intl (new Bridge) · Structure no. 211090G00090002

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Other
Prestressed Concrete
Length
852 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
17,283
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Rio Grande River is a prestressed concrete other carrying US 281 NB over Rio Grande River in Hidalgo County, Texas. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 17,283 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,500 by 2029. The structure is 852 ft (259.7 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesRio Grande River
LocationHidalgo Intl (new Bridge)
CountyHidalgo County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.09502, -98.27113
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length852 ft (259.7 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.8 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.4 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,283 (2018)
Projected traffic16,500 by 2029
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$98,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 NB over Rio Grande River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 NB over Rio Grande River 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 NB over Rio Grande River carry?

About 17,283 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Rio Grande River?

The structure is 852 ft (259.7 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.8 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Rio Grande River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.