US Bridges

US 181 over Cc Ship Channel

Fair

Nueces County, Texas · 3.16 M SW of Nueces CO LN · Structure no. 161780010106041

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
5,819 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
55,243
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 over Cc Ship Channel is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying US 181 over Cc Ship Channel in Nueces County, Texas. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2005, 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 5 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 55,243 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 77,340 by 2042. The structure is 5,819 ft (1,773.5 m) long and 82 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 181
CrossesCc Ship Channel
Location3.16 M SW of Nueces CO LN
RouteU.S. Route 181
CountyNueces County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.81273, -97.39534
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+54 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length5,819 ft (1,773.5 m)
Longest span620 ft (189 m)
Deck width82 ft (25 m)
Roadway width73 ft (22.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55,243 (2023)
Projected traffic77,340 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 181 over Cc Ship Channel built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is US 181 over Cc Ship Channel 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 181 over Cc Ship Channel carry?

About 55,243 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Cc Ship Channel?

The structure is 5,819 ft (1,773.5 m) long with a longest span of 620 ft (189 m) and a deck 82 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Cc Ship Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.