US Bridges

US 281 NB over SH 285 / Palo Blanco Crk

Good

Brooks County, Texas · 1.50 MI S of FM 1418 · Structure no. 210240025514274

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
802 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
5,316
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over SH 285 / Palo Blanco Crk is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 NB over SH 285 / Palo Blanco Crk in Brooks County, Texas. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 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 5,316 vehicles a day, projected to reach 9,000 by 2033. The structure is 802 ft (244.5 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesSH 285 / Palo Blanco Crk
Location1.50 MI S of FM 1418
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates27.22718, -98.14071
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7 (+1 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length802 ft (244.5 m)
Longest span115 ft (35.1 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width49 ft (15 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,316 (2024)
Projected traffic9,000 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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 SH 285 / Palo Blanco Crk built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 NB over SH 285 / Palo Blanco Crk 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 NB over SH 285 / Palo Blanco Crk carry?

About 5,316 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is US 281 NB over SH 285 / Palo Blanco Crk?

The structure is 802 ft (244.5 m) long with a longest span of 115 ft (35.1 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over SH 285 / Palo Blanco Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.