US Bridges

US 181 NB over Bu 44 D

Fair

Nueces County, Texas · 0.35 MI W of Shoreline · Structure no. 161780007406170

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
401 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
47,913
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 NB over Bu 44 D is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 181 NB over Bu 44 D in Nueces County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 47,913 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,890 by 2032. The structure is 401 ft (122.2 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 181 NB
CrossesBu 44 D
Location0.35 MI W of Shoreline
RouteU.S. Route 181
CountyNueces County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.80024, -97.39668
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length401 ft (122.2 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47,913 (2020)
Projected traffic35,890 by 2032
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesThird level (interchange)
CrossesHighway
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$28,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 181 NB over Bu 44 D built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 181 NB over Bu 44 D 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 March 2022.

How much traffic does US 181 NB over Bu 44 D carry?

About 47,913 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 181 NB over Bu 44 D?

The structure is 401 ft (122.2 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 NB over Bu 44 D?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.