US Bridges

US 281 SB over Drain

Good

Jim Wells County, Texas · 3.75 MI N of FM 716 · Structure no. 161260025502086

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,238
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 SB over Drain is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 SB over Drain in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 5,238 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,123 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 281 SB
CrossesDrain
Location3.75 MI N of FM 716
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates27.42216, -98.11513
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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 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 SB over Drain built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 SB over Drain 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 SB over Drain carry?

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

How long is US 281 SB over Drain?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns US 281 SB over Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.