US Bridges

US 281 over Whitman Branch

Fair

Burnet County, Texas · 0.65 MI N of RM 1431 · Structure no. 140270025201005

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
68 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
30,052
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Whitman Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 over Whitman Branch in Burnet County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 95 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 5 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 30,052 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,630 by 2033. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesWhitman Branch
Location0.65 MI N of RM 1431
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBurnet County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.58794, -98.27342
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,052 (2023)
Projected traffic34,630 by 2033
Trucks19%
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 Whitman Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is US 281 over Whitman 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 Whitman Branch carry?

About 30,052 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Whitman Branch?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Whitman Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.