US Bridges

US 281 NB Frtg RD over Palo Blanco Creek

Good

Brooks County, Texas · 0.15 MI N of SH 285 · Structure no. 210240025514279

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
53 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,689
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB Frtg RD over Palo Blanco Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 NB Frtg RD over Palo Blanco Creek 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 2,689 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,870 by 2042. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281 NB Frtg RD
CrossesPalo Blanco Creek
Location0.15 MI N of SH 285
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBrooks County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.22805, -98.14032
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 width60 ft (18.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,689 (2024)
Projected traffic3,870 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 NB Frtg RD over Palo Blanco Creek built?

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

What condition is US 281 NB Frtg RD over Palo Blanco Creek 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 Frtg RD over Palo Blanco Creek carry?

About 2,689 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB Frtg RD 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 60 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB Frtg RD over Palo Blanco Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.