US Bridges

US 290 over Towhead Creek

Fair

Blanco County, Texas · 4.6 MI W of US 281 · Structure no. 140160011304069

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
135 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,008
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 290 over Towhead Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 290 over Towhead Creek in Blanco County, Texas. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 8,008 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,180 by 2033. The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 290
CrossesTowhead Creek
Location4.6 MI W of US 281
RouteU.S. Route 290
CountyBlanco County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.2605, -98.47826
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length135 ft (41.1 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,008 (2020)
Projected traffic7,180 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$15,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 290 over Towhead Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 290 over Towhead 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 290 over Towhead Creek carry?

About 8,008 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 290 over Towhead Creek?

The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 290 over Towhead Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.