US Bridges

US 281 over Town Creek

Fair

Blanco County, Texas · 0.6 MI N of US 290 W · Structure no. 140160025203026

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
66 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
12,364
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Town Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Town 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 12,364 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,540 by 2033. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesTown Creek
Location0.6 MI N of US 290 W
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBlanco County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.28423, -98.40594
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 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 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 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadOther
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width59 ft (17.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,364 (2020)
Projected traffic11,540 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Town Creek built?

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

What condition is US 281 over Town 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 over Town Creek carry?

About 12,364 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Town Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Town Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.