US Bridges

US 281 over Onion Creek

Fair

Archer County, Texas · 1.35 MI N of FM 172 · Structure no. 030050024903038

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
87 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
4,328
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Onion Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Onion Creek in Archer County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 96 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 5 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 4,328 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,059 by 2040. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesOnion Creek
Location1.35 MI N of FM 172
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyArcher County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.67548, -98.47062
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,328 (2020)
Projected traffic6,059 by 2040
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Onion Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is US 281 over Onion Creek 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 over Onion Creek carry?

About 4,328 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Onion Creek?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Onion Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.