US Bridges

US 281 over Cottonwood Creek

Good

Blanco County, Texas · 2.0 MI N of FM 1323 · Structure no. 140160025203013

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1956
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,108
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Cottonwood Creek in Blanco County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1956, 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 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 13,108 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,050 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.9 mi (69 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location2.0 MI N of FM 1323
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates30.34264, -98.3817
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 inspectionApril 2023
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 length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,108 (2020)
Projected traffic11,050 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.9 mi (69 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 281 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.

What condition is US 281 over Cottonwood Creek 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 13,108 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 281 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.