US Bridges

US 281 NB over Acero Creek

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 0.95 MI S of FM 2508 · Structure no. 161260025501002

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
41 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
4,622
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Acero Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 NB over Acero Creek in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 99 years old, older 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 4,622 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,630 by 2033. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesAcero Creek
Location0.95 MI S of FM 2508
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.63383, -98.08646
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,622 (2020)
Projected traffic8,630 by 2033
Trucks23%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 NB over Acero Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is US 281 NB over Acero Creek 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 NB over Acero Creek carry?

About 4,622 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Acero Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Acero Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.