US Bridges

US 281 SB over Draw

Good

Jim Wells County, Texas · 0.5 MI N of Bus 281 · Structure no. 161260025407077

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,837
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 SB over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 SB 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 4,837 vehicles a day, roughly 41% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,837 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 281 SB
CrossesDraw
Location0.5 MI N of Bus 281
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates27.79969, -98.08364
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,837 (2022)
Projected traffic4,837 by 2042
Trucks41%
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 Draw built?

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

What condition is US 281 SB 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 SB over Draw carry?

About 4,837 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 41% are trucks.

How long is US 281 SB over Draw?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 SB over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.