US Bridges

US 281 over Hamilton Creek

Fair

Burnet County, Texas · 0.50 MI S of SH 29 · Structure no. 140270025201021

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
125 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
28,632
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Hamilton Creek is a concrete slab carrying US 281 over Hamilton Creek in Burnet County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 76 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 28,632 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,400 by 2033. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 78 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesHamilton Creek
Location0.50 MI S of SH 29
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyBurnet County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.7513, -98.22791
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 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 rating43 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width78 ft (23.9 m)
Roadway width67 ft (20.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,632 (2023)
Projected traffic28,400 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 Hamilton Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is US 281 over Hamilton Creek 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 Hamilton Creek carry?

About 28,632 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Hamilton Creek?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 78 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Hamilton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.