US Bridges

US 181 over Escondido Creek

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 0.4 MI N of SH 72 · Structure no. 161290010006069

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
302 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
15,330
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 over Escondido Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 181 over Escondido Creek in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1952, 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 15,330 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,740 by 2033. The structure is 302 ft (92.1 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 181
CrossesEscondido Creek
Location0.4 MI N of SH 72
RouteU.S. Route 181
CountyKarnes County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.81991, -97.85903
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating65 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadOther
Structure length302 ft (92.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.5 m)
Roadway width59 ft (18.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,330 (2023)
Projected traffic25,740 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
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 built?

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

What condition is US 181 over Escondido 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 181 over Escondido Creek carry?

About 15,330 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Escondido Creek?

The structure is 302 ft (92.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Escondido Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.