US Bridges

US 181 over Medio Creek Draw

Good

Karnes County, Texas · 3.90 MI SE of FM 2509 · Structure no. 161290010006076

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,068
2020 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, 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 5,068 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,390 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

CarriesUS 181
CrossesMedio Creek Draw
Location3.90 MI SE of FM 2509
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates28.67294, -97.82477
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width49 ft (15 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,068 (2020)
Projected traffic9,390 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$93,000
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.

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

About 5,068 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Medio Creek Draw?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Medio Creek Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.