US Bridges

US 281 NB over Buffalo Hollow

Fair

Brooks County, Texas · 7.4 MI S of FM 755 · Structure no. 210240025505027

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1953
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,376
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Buffalo Hollow is a concrete slab carrying US 281 NB over Buffalo Hollow in Brooks County, Texas. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1953, so it is 84 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 12,376 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,110 by 2033. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesBuffalo Hollow
Location7.4 MI S of FM 755
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBrooks County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.78685, -98.10687
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
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 rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,376 (2020)
Projected traffic10,110 by 2033
Trucks23%
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 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 NB over Buffalo Hollow built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1953.

What condition is US 281 NB over Buffalo Hollow 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 NB over Buffalo Hollow carry?

About 12,376 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Buffalo Hollow?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Buffalo Hollow?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.