US Bridges

US 281 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Wichita County, Texas · 0.35 MI N of Loop 473 · Structure no. 032430024901062

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,266
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Drainage Ditch in Wichita County, Texas. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 5,266 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,420 by 2033. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 133 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.35 MI N of Loop 473
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyWichita County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.84905, -98.4882
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width133 ft (40.6 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,266 (2015)
Projected traffic9,420 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-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 281 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 5,266 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 133 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.