US Bridges

FM 81 over Cow Creek

Good

Karnes County, Texas · 2.8 MI S of US 181 · Structure no. 161290099102002

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
429
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 81 over Cow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 81 over Cow Creek in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 429 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2033. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesFM 81
CrossesCow Creek
Location2.8 MI S of US 181
RouteState Highway 81
StateTexas
Coordinates28.91375, -97.9894
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic429 (2020)
Projected traffic700 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 FM 81 over Cow Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 81 over Cow 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does FM 81 over Cow Creek carry?

About 429 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is FM 81 over Cow Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FM 81 over Cow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.