US Bridges

US 281 over South Mesquite Creek

Good

Burnet County, Texas · 1.85 MI N of RM 2340 · Structure no. 140270025107062

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,549
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over South Mesquite Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over South 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 6,549 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,300 by 2033. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 102 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesSouth Mesquite Creek
Location1.85 MI N of RM 2340
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBurnet County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.92253, -98.23734
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable 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 length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width102 ft (31.2 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,549 (2020)
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$5,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over South Mesquite Creek built?

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

What condition is US 281 over South 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 South Mesquite Creek carry?

About 6,549 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over South Mesquite Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 102 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over South Mesquite Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.