US Bridges

SH 285 over Laborcitas Creek

Good

Brooks County, Texas · 12.3 MI W of FM 754 · Structure no. 210240048202003

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
59 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,630
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 285 over Laborcitas Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 285 over Laborcitas Creek in Brooks County, Texas. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 68 years old, older 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 1,630 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,280 by 2033. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

CarriesSH 285
CrossesLaborcitas Creek
Location12.3 MI W of FM 754
RouteState Highway 285
StateTexas
Coordinates27.26342, -98.34825
Functional classRural Minor 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 inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable 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 spans6
Design loadOther
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,630 (2024)
Projected traffic1,280 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SH 285 over Laborcitas Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is SH 285 over Laborcitas 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 285 over Laborcitas Creek carry?

About 1,630 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 285 over Laborcitas Creek?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns SH 285 over Laborcitas Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.