US Bridges

US 181 over Hondo Creek

Good

Karnes County, Texas · 1.80 MI S of Bu 181 · Structure no. 161290010006072

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,247
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 over Hondo Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 181 over Hondo Creek in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 6,247 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,746 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesUS 181
CrossesHondo Creek
Location1.80 MI S of Bu 181
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates28.76068, -97.85195
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 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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,247 (2022)
Projected traffic8,746 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$102,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 181 over Hondo Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 181 over Hondo Creek 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 Hondo Creek carry?

About 6,247 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Hondo Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Hondo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.