US Bridges

US 281 over Daugherty Branch

Fair

Burnet County, Texas · 0.35 MI N of SH 29 · Structure no. 140270025108052

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
68 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
12,720
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Daugherty Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Daugherty Branch in Burnet County, Texas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 12,720 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,510 by 2033. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 79 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281
CrossesDaugherty Branch
Location0.35 MI N of SH 29
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBurnet County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.76329, -98.23003
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width79 ft (24.1 m)
Roadway width67 ft (20.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,720 (2020)
Projected traffic27,510 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-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 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 US 281 over Daugherty Branch built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 over Daugherty Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 over Daugherty Branch carry?

About 12,720 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Daugherty Branch?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 79 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Daugherty Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.