US Bridges

US 281 over Little Blanco River

Fair

Blanco County, Texas · 0.02 MI S of FM 473 · Structure no. 140160025302045

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
250 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
12,644
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Little Blanco River is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 281 over Little 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 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 12,644 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,600 by 2033. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281
CrossesLittle Blanco River
Location0.02 MI S of FM 473
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBlanco County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.00172, -98.40554
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadOther
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,644 (2020)
Projected traffic14,600 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 Little Blanco River built?

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

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

About 12,644 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Little Blanco River?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Little Blanco River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.