US Bridges

US 281 over Draw

Fair

Lampasas County, Texas · 8.20 MI S of Coryell C/L · Structure no. 231410025104019

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,078
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 2012, 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 3,078 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,882 by 2038. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesDraw
Location8.20 MI S of Coryell C/L
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyLampasas County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.33379, -98.17399
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.3 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,078 (2020)
Projected traffic4,882 by 2038
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 2012.

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 3,078 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% 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) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.