US Bridges

US 281 over North Paluxy River

Fair

Erath County, Texas · 0.94 MI S of FM 1188 · Structure no. 020730025003015

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
210 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,205
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over North Paluxy River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 over North Paluxy River in Erath County, Texas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 88 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 9,205 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,230 by 2040. The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesNorth Paluxy River
Location0.94 MI S of FM 1188
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates32.37583, -98.17308
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length210 ft (64 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,205 (2024)
Projected traffic8,230 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 North Paluxy River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is US 281 over North Paluxy River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over North Paluxy River carry?

About 9,205 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over North Paluxy River?

The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over North Paluxy River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.