US Bridges

US 181 over Medio Creek Draw

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 0.20 MI NW of FM 2509 · Structure no. 161290010006074

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,247
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 over Medio Creek Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 181 over Medio Creek Draw in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1991, 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 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 6,247 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,746 by 2042. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 181
CrossesMedio Creek Draw
Location0.20 MI NW of FM 2509
RouteU.S. Route 181
CountyKarnes County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.72309, -97.85056
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 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 spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 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 closed11.2 mi (18 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$98,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 181 over Medio Creek Draw built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

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

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

How long is US 181 over Medio Creek Draw?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Medio Creek Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.