US Bridges

US 281 NB over Draw

Fair

Live Oak County, Texas · 1.9 MI S of FM 1042 · Structure no. 161490025401008

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,443
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 NB over Draw in Live Oak County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 95 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 4,443 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,990 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesDraw
Location1.9 MI S of FM 1042
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyLive Oak County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.39186, -98.16314
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; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,443 (2020)
Projected traffic8,990 by 2033
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 NB over Draw built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is US 281 NB 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 NB over Draw carry?

About 4,443 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Draw?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.