US Bridges

US 281 SB over Chiltipin Creek

Good

Jim Wells County, Texas · 1.6 MI N of Bus 281 · Structure no. 161260025403061

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
400 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,376
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 SB over Chiltipin Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 SB over Chiltipin Creek in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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 4,376 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,970 by 2033. The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 281 SB
CrossesChiltipin Creek
Location1.6 MI N of Bus 281
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates27.81011, -98.08407
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length400 ft (121.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,376 (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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 SB over Chiltipin Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 SB 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 SB over Chiltipin Creek carry?

About 4,376 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is US 281 SB over Chiltipin Creek?

The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 SB over Chiltipin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.