US Bridges

US 281 over Flat Creek Relief

Good

Blanco County, Texas · 1.0 MI S of FM 32 · Structure no. 140160025301043

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,024
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Flat Creek Relief is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Flat Creek Relief in Blanco County, Texas. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 2014, 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 13,024 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,510 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 71 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesFlat Creek Relief
Location1.0 MI S of FM 32
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBlanco County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.0557, -98.41129
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable 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 spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.7 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,024 (2020)
Projected traffic13,510 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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 Flat Creek Relief built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is US 281 over Flat Creek Relief 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 Flat Creek Relief carry?

About 13,024 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Flat Creek Relief?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Flat Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.