US Bridges

US 281 over Draw

Fair

Lampasas County, Texas · 4.25 MI S of Coryell C/L · Structure no. 231410025104017

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,984
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Draw in Lampasas County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 90 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 2,984 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,278 by 2038. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesDraw
Location4.25 MI S of Coryell C/L
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates31.39013, -98.17443
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,984 (2020)
Projected traffic5,278 by 2038
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 US 281 over Draw built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is US 281 over 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over Draw carry?

About 2,984 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Draw?

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

Who owns US 281 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.