US Bridges

US 181 SB over Drainage Ditch

Fair

San Patricio County, Texas · 0.70 MI NW of FM 631 · Structure no. 162050010104028

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,464
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 SB over Drainage Ditch is a concrete slab carrying US 181 SB over Drainage Ditch in San Patricio County, Texas. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 83 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 4,464 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,380 by 2033. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 181 SB
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.70 MI NW of FM 631
RouteU.S. Route 181
CountySan Patricio County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.98402, -97.40818
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,464 (2022)
Projected traffic4,380 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 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 US 181 SB over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is US 181 SB over Drainage Ditch 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 181 SB over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 4,464 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 181 SB over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 SB over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.