US 181 NB over Nueces Bay
FairNueces County, Texas · 2.3 MI NE of Ship Channel · Structure no. 161780010106046
- Built
- 1963
- 62 years old, rebuilt 1990
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected August 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Prestressed Concrete
- Length
- 9,637 ft
- 1 main span
- Daily traffic
- 26,259
- 2023 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US 181 NB over Nueces Bay is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 181 NB over Nueces Bay in Nueces County, Texas. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 62 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 26,259 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,480 by 2033. The structure is 9,637 ft (2,937.4 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US 181 NB over Nueces Bay built?
It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.
What condition is US 181 NB over Nueces Bay 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 NB over Nueces Bay carry?
About 26,259 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.
How long is US 181 NB over Nueces Bay?
The structure is 9,637 ft (2,937.4 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.
Who owns US 181 NB over Nueces Bay?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.