US Bridges

US 181 over Cow Creek Draw

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 3.25 MI NW of FM 1144 · Structure no. 161290010005024

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,838
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 over Cow Creek Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 181 over Cow Creek Draw in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 2015, 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 5,838 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,173 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesUS 181
CrossesCow Creek Draw
Location3.25 MI NW of FM 1144
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates28.9198, -97.94716
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 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
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 spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,838 (2022)
Projected traffic8,173 by 2042
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$101,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 181 over Cow Creek Draw built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is US 181 over Cow Creek 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 Cow Creek Draw carry?

About 5,838 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Cow Creek Draw?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 181 over Cow Creek Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.