US Bridges

US 181 over FM 2509 & Nichols Creek

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 1.3 MI S of FM 1145 · Structure no. 161290010006080

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
440 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
6,357
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 over FM 2509 & Nichols Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 181 over FM 2509 & Nichols Creek in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 68 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 6,357 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,582 by 2042. The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 181
CrossesFM 2509 & Nichols Creek
Location1.3 MI S of FM 1145
RouteU.S. Route 181
CountyKarnes County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.78647, -97.85416
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadUnknown
Structure length440 ft (134.1 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,357 (2024)
Projected traffic7,582 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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$486,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 181 over FM 2509 & Nichols Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is US 181 over FM 2509 & Nichols 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 FM 2509 & Nichols Creek carry?

About 6,357 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over FM 2509 & Nichols Creek?

The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over FM 2509 & Nichols Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.