US Bridges

FM 281 over Draw

Good

Ochiltree County, Texas · 10.6 MI E of SH 70 · Structure no. 041790188503001

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
704
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 281 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying FM 281 over Draw in Ochiltree County, Texas. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1998, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 704 vehicles a day, roughly 43% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,360 by 2033. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesFM 281
CrossesDraw
Location10.6 MI E of SH 70
RouteState Highway 281
StateTexas
Coordinates36.10033, -100.63821
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic704 (2018)
Projected traffic1,360 by 2033
Trucks43%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 FM 281 over Draw built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is FM 281 over Draw in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does FM 281 over Draw carry?

About 704 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 43% are trucks.

How long is FM 281 over Draw?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns FM 281 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.