US Bridges

US 281 NB over Bus 281

Good

Jim Wells County, Texas · 3.5 MI NE of SH 44 · Structure no. 161260025407097

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
329 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,083
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Bus 281 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 NB over Bus 281 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 4,083 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,970 by 2033. The structure is 329 ft (100.3 m) long and 40 ft wide.

CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesBus 281
Location3.5 MI NE of SH 44
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates27.79281, -98.08408
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum 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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length329 ft (100.3 m)
Longest span124 ft (37.8 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,083 (2019)
Projected traffic4,970 by 2033
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 NB over Bus 281 built?

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

What condition is US 281 NB over Bus 281 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 2022.

How much traffic does US 281 NB over Bus 281 carry?

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

How long is US 281 NB over Bus 281?

The structure is 329 ft (100.3 m) long with a longest span of 124 ft (37.8 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Bus 281?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.