US Bridges

US 281 over Draw

Good

Jim Wells County, Texas · 0.1 MI S of FM 1930 · Structure no. 161260025407090

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,056
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 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 12,056 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,790 by 2033. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesDraw
Location0.1 MI S of FM 1930
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates27.69611, -98.07908
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 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 spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,056 (2020)
Projected traffic21,790 by 2033
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 over Draw built?

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

What condition is US 281 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 over Draw carry?

About 12,056 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Draw?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US 281 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.