US Bridges

US 181 over San Antonio River Draw

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 0.4 MI NW of FM 791 · Structure no. 161290010005018

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,914
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 over San Antonio River Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 181 over San Antonio River Draw in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 96 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 6,914 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,680 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 181
CrossesSan Antonio River Draw
Location0.4 MI NW of FM 791
RouteU.S. Route 181
CountyKarnes County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.98457, -98.02166
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 inspectionApril 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,914 (2022)
Projected traffic9,680 by 2042
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$765,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 181 over San Antonio River Draw built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is US 181 over San Antonio River Draw 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 181 over San Antonio River Draw carry?

About 6,914 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over San Antonio River Draw?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over San Antonio River Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.