US Bridges

US 281 SB FR over Palo Blanco Creek

Fair

Brooks County, Texas · 0.15 MI N of SH 285 · Structure no. 210240025503112

Built
2000
25 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
53 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,610
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 SB FR over Palo Blanco Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 SB FR over Palo Blanco Creek in Brooks County, Texas. It was built in 2000 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 25 years old, younger 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 2,610 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,896 by 2042. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281 SB FR
CrossesPalo Blanco Creek
Location0.15 MI N of SH 285
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBrooks County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.22821, -98.14109
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.2 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,610 (2024)
Projected traffic3,896 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 SB FR over Palo Blanco Creek built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is US 281 SB FR over Palo Blanco 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 SB FR over Palo Blanco Creek carry?

About 2,610 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is US 281 SB FR over Palo Blanco Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 SB FR over Palo Blanco Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.