US Bridges

US 181 over Kicaster Creek

Good

Wilson County, Texas · 3.25 MI NW of SH 97 · Structure no. 152470010003060

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1977
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
21,846
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 over Kicaster Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 181 over Kicaster Creek in Wilson County, Texas. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1977, so it is 84 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 21,846 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,584 by 2042. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long and 181 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 181
CrossesKicaster Creek
Location3.25 MI NW of SH 97
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates29.18006, -98.19404
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 loadH 15
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width181 ft (55.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,846 (2023)
Projected traffic30,584 by 2042
Trucks9%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$340,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 181 over Kicaster Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1977.

What condition is US 181 over Kicaster Creek 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 181 over Kicaster Creek carry?

About 21,846 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Kicaster Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 181 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Kicaster Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.