US Bridges

US 181 over Chiltipin Creek

Fair

San Patricio County, Texas · 0.30 MI N of SH 188 · Structure no. 162050010103007

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1948
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
219 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,932
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 over Chiltipin Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 181 over Chiltipin Creek in San Patricio County, Texas. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1948, so it is 103 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 2,932 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,450 by 2033. The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 181
CrossesChiltipin Creek
Location0.30 MI N of SH 188
RouteU.S. Route 181
CountySan Patricio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.04075, -97.5159
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length219 ft (66.8 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,932 (2024)
Projected traffic3,450 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$621,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 181 over Chiltipin Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1948.

What condition is US 181 over Chiltipin Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 181 over Chiltipin Creek carry?

About 2,932 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Chiltipin Creek?

The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Chiltipin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.