US Bridges

US 281 over Blanco River

Fair

Blanco County, Texas · 8.2 MI S of US 290 E · Structure no. 140160025301041

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
390 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,388
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Blanco River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 over Blanco River 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 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 15,388 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,400 by 2033. The structure is 390 ft (118.9 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesBlanco River
Location8.2 MI S of US 290 E
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBlanco County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.09224, -98.42299
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length390 ft (118.9 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,388 (2020)
Projected traffic17,400 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Blanco River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 over Blanco River 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 Blanco River carry?

About 15,388 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Blanco River?

The structure is 390 ft (118.9 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Blanco River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.