US Bridges

Bus 281 over SH 44 & Tex-Mex RR

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · Bus 281 @ SH 44 · Structure no. 161260025403032

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
782 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,804
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bus 281 over SH 44 & Tex-Mex RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bus 281 over SH 44 & Tex-Mex RR 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 6,804 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,980 by 2038. The structure is 782 ft (238.4 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesBus 281
CrossesSH 44 & Tex-Mex RR
LocationBus 281 @ SH 44
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.74742, -98.08383
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+12 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length782 ft (238.4 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.5 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,804 (2024)
Projected traffic17,980 by 2038
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 Bus 281 over SH 44 & Tex-Mex RR built?

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

What condition is Bus 281 over SH 44 & Tex-Mex RR 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Bus 281 over SH 44 & Tex-Mex RR carry?

About 6,804 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Bus 281 over SH 44 & Tex-Mex RR?

The structure is 782 ft (238.4 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns Bus 281 over SH 44 & Tex-Mex RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.