US Bridges

US 181 NB over Palm Meadows Ditch

Good

San Patricio County, Texas · 1.95 MI SE of FM 631 · Structure no. 162050010104051

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,532
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 NB over Palm Meadows Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 181 NB over Palm Meadows Ditch in San Patricio County, Texas. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 5,532 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,408 by 2042. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 181 NB
CrossesPalm Meadows Ditch
Location1.95 MI SE of FM 631
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates27.95742, -97.35676
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,532 (2022)
Projected traffic8,408 by 2042
Trucks8%
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 NB over Palm Meadows Ditch built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 181 NB over Palm Meadows Ditch 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 181 NB over Palm Meadows Ditch carry?

About 5,532 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 181 NB over Palm Meadows Ditch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 NB over Palm Meadows Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.