US Bridges

US 281 Sbfr over Draw

Good

Jim Wells County, Texas · 0.5 MI N of Bus 281 · Structure no. 161260025403076

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,600
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 Sbfr over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 Sbfr over Draw in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 3,600 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,860 by 2038. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 281 Sbfr
CrossesDraw
Location0.5 MI N of Bus 281
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates27.79973, -98.08449
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,600 (2016)
Projected traffic11,860 by 2038
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Sbfr over Draw built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

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

About 3,600 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 281 Sbfr over Draw?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 Sbfr over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.