US Bridges

US 181 over Drainage Ditch

Good

Wilson County, Texas · 1.90 MI NW of Karnes C/L · Structure no. 152470010004016

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,754
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 181 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying US 181 over Drainage Ditch in Wilson County, Texas. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1978, 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 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 7,754 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,856 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

CarriesUS 181
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.90 MI NW of Karnes C/L
RouteU.S. Route 181
StateTexas
Coordinates29.01868, -98.05254
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,754 (2023)
Projected traffic10,856 by 2042
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is US 181 over Drainage 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 181 over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 7,754 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is US 181 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns US 181 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.