US Bridges

US 281 over Trib of Dry Branch

Good

Erath County, Texas · 0.7 MI N of US 377 Bus · Structure no. 020730025003010

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
11,027
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Trib of Dry Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Trib of Dry Branch in Erath County, Texas. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 89 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 11,027 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,350 by 2040. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesTrib of Dry Branch
Location0.7 MI N of US 377 Bus
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates32.23706, -98.19406
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionAugust 2024
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
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,027 (2022)
Projected traffic11,350 by 2040
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Trib of Dry Branch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is US 281 over Trib of Dry Branch 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over Trib of Dry Branch carry?

About 11,027 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Trib of Dry Branch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns US 281 over Trib of Dry Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.