US Bridges

US 281 NB over Buffalo Hollow

Good

Brooks County, Texas · 7.4 MI S of FM 755 · Structure no. 210240025505110

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
61 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,029
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Buffalo Hollow is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 NB over Buffalo Hollow in Brooks County, Texas. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 8,029 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,241 by 2042. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 40 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
Coordinates26.78657, -98.10667
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum 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 spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,029 (2023)
Projected traffic11,241 by 2042
Trucks36%
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 NB over Buffalo Hollow built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 NB over Buffalo Hollow 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 July 2024.

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

About 8,029 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Buffalo Hollow?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Buffalo Hollow?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.