US Bridges

US 281 NB over Salado Creek

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 5.1 MI N of FM 716 · Structure no. 161260025502013

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
86 ft
15 main spans
Daily traffic
5,238
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Salado Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 NB over Salado 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 5,238 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,123 by 2042. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesSalado Creek
Location5.1 MI N of FM 716
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.4418, -98.11215
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 spans15
Design loadUnknown
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,238 (2022)
Projected traffic7,123 by 2042
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 Salado 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 Salado 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 February 2024.

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

About 5,238 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Salado Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Salado Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.