US Bridges

US 281 SB over Miller Creek

Fair

Blanco County, Texas · 0.1 MI N of US 290 E · Structure no. 140160011305062

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
252 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,945
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 SB over Miller Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 SB over Miller Creek in Blanco County, Texas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 7,945 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,280 by 2033. The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281 SB
CrossesMiller Creek
Location0.1 MI N of US 290 E
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBlanco County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.20325, -98.37675
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length252 ft (76.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,945 (2020)
Projected traffic7,280 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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$18,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 SB over Miller Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 SB over Miller 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 281 SB over Miller Creek carry?

About 7,945 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 281 SB over Miller Creek?

The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 SB over Miller Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.