US Bridges

US 181 over Escondido Creek Draw

Good

Karnes County, Texas · 0.1 MI NW of FM 719 · Structure no. 161290010006068

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,860
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 over Escondido Creek Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 181 over Escondido Creek Draw in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 73 years old, older 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 17,860 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,870 by 2033. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 135 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 181
CrossesEscondido Creek Draw
Location0.1 MI NW of FM 719
RouteU.S. Route 181
CountyKarnes County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.82729, -97.86029
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width135 ft (41.1 m)
Roadway width105 ft (31.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,860 (2020)
Projected traffic24,870 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 181 over Escondido Creek Draw built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is US 181 over Escondido Creek Draw 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 181 over Escondido Creek Draw carry?

About 17,860 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Escondido Creek Draw?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 135 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Escondido Creek Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.