US Bridges

US 281 over Draw

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 1.7 MI N JCT Bus 281 · Structure no. 161260025403039

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,525
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Draw in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 70 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 9,525 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,940 by 2033. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesDraw
Location1.7 MI N JCT Bus 281
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates27.81265, -98.08321
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum 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 spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,525 (2020)
Projected traffic9,940 by 2033
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Draw built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is US 281 over Draw 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 US 281 over Draw carry?

About 9,525 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Draw?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 281 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.