US Bridges

US 281 NB over Draw

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 1.0 MI SW of Bus 281 · Structure no. 161260025407085

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,083
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 NB 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 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 4,083 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,800 by 2033. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesDraw
Location1.0 MI SW of Bus 281
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates27.78205, -98.09229
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,083 (2019)
Projected traffic6,800 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 NB over Draw built?

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

What condition is US 281 NB 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 NB over Draw carry?

About 4,083 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Draw?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 281 NB over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.