US Bridges

US 281 over North Mesquite Creek

Good

Burnet County, Texas · 7.25 MI S of US 183 · Structure no. 140270025107060

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
128 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,580
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over North Mesquite Creek is a concrete slab carrying US 281 over North Mesquite Creek in Burnet County, Texas. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 7,580 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,300 by 2033. The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long and 50 ft wide.

CarriesUS 281
CrossesNorth Mesquite Creek
Location7.25 MI S of US 183
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates30.96121, -98.21577
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length128 ft (39 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.1 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,580 (2023)
Projected traffic8,300 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$15,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over North Mesquite Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 over North Mesquite 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 over North Mesquite Creek carry?

About 7,580 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over North Mesquite Creek?

The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over North Mesquite Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.