US Bridges

US 281 NB over Chiltipin Creek

Good

Jim Wells County, Texas · 1.6 MI N of Bus 281 · Structure no. 161260025403025

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
173 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,149
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Chiltipin Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 NB over Chiltipin Creek in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1955, 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 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 5,149 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,970 by 2033. The structure is 173 ft (52.7 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesChiltipin Creek
Location1.6 MI N of Bus 281
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates27.81006, -98.0837
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length173 ft (52.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,149 (2020)
Projected traffic4,970 by 2033
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$171,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 NB over Chiltipin Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is US 281 NB over Chiltipin Creek 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 NB over Chiltipin Creek carry?

About 5,149 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Chiltipin Creek?

The structure is 173 ft (52.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Chiltipin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.