US Bridges

US 281 over Town Creek

Good

Blanco County, Texas · 0.1 MI S of FM 1623 · Structure no. 140160025301040

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
15,887
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 1960, so it is 65 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 15,887 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,400 by 2033. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 82 ft wide.

CarriesUS 281
CrossesTown Creek
Location0.1 MI S of FM 1623
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates30.09617, -98.42289
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
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 spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width82 ft (24.9 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,887 (2020)
Projected traffic17,400 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 over Town 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 Town Creek carry?

About 15,887 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Town Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 82 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Town Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.