US Bridges

US 281 SB over Nueces River

Fair

Live Oak County, Texas · 2.2 MI S of SH 72 · Structure no. 161490025401044

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
938 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,067
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 SB over Nueces River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 SB over Nueces River in Live Oak County, Texas. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 67 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 5,067 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,280 by 2033. The structure is 938 ft (285.9 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281 SB
CrossesNueces River
Location2.2 MI S of SH 72
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyLive Oak County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.42885, -98.17851
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+20 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length938 ft (285.9 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,067 (2020)
Projected traffic9,280 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$2.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 SB over Nueces River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is US 281 SB over Nueces River 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 SB over Nueces River carry?

About 5,067 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is US 281 SB over Nueces River?

The structure is 938 ft (285.9 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 SB over Nueces River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.