US Bridges

US 281 NB over Derramadero De Machos

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 4.6 MI S of SH 141 · Structure no. 161260025501026

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1940
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
6,038
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Derramadero De Machos is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 NB over Derramadero De Machos in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1940, 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 6,038 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,366 by 2042. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesDerramadero De Machos
Location4.6 MI S of SH 141
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.48424, -98.10645
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
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 spans8
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,038 (2022)
Projected traffic7,366 by 2042
Trucks22%
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 Derramadero De Machos built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1940.

What condition is US 281 NB over Derramadero De Machos 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 NB over Derramadero De Machos carry?

About 6,038 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Derramadero De Machos?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Derramadero De Machos?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.