US Bridges

US 181 over Draw

Fair

Wilson County, Texas · 0.50 MI SE of FM 537 · Structure no. 152470010004013

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,658
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 181 over Draw in Wilson County, Texas. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 97 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 11,658 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,321 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 181
CrossesDraw
Location0.50 MI SE of FM 537
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates29.11183, -98.11897
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,658 (2023)
Projected traffic16,321 by 2042
Trucks12%
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$454,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 181 over Draw built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is US 181 over Draw 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 181 over Draw carry?

About 11,658 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Draw?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US 181 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.