US Bridges

US 281 over El Caro Creek

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 8.0 MI S of FM 624 · Structure no. 161260025403023

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
7,293
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over El Caro Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over El Caro Creek in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 94 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 7,293 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,580 by 2033. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 163 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281
CrossesEl Caro Creek
Location8.0 MI S of FM 624
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.90543, -98.08896
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width163 ft (49.8 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,293 (2020)
Projected traffic12,580 by 2033
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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 El Caro Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is US 281 over El Caro 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 US 281 over El Caro Creek carry?

About 7,293 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over El Caro Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 163 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over El Caro Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.