US Bridges

Ramp SH 44/BUS 281 over Lattas Creek

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 0.2 MI S of SH 44 · Structure no. 161260008611028

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
80 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
17,560
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ramp SH 44/BUS 281 over Lattas Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Ramp SH 44/BUS 281 over Lattas Creek in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 88 years old, older 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 17,560 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,580 by 2033. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesRamp SH 44/BUS 281
CrossesLattas Creek
Location0.2 MI S of SH 44
RouteState Highway 44
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.74397, -98.08539
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans14
Design loadUnknown
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,560 (2013)
Projected traffic24,580 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Ramp SH 44/BUS 281 over Lattas Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is Ramp SH 44/BUS 281 over Lattas Creek 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Ramp SH 44/BUS 281 over Lattas Creek carry?

About 17,560 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Ramp SH 44/BUS 281 over Lattas Creek?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns Ramp SH 44/BUS 281 over Lattas Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.