US Bridges

US 281 over Bee Dee Creek

Fair

Erath County, Texas · 2.10 MI N of FM 1188 · Structure no. 020730025003016

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,589
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Bee Dee Creek is a concrete slab carrying US 281 over Bee Dee Creek in Erath County, Texas. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 87 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 7,589 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,670 by 2040. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesBee Dee Creek
Location2.10 MI N of FM 1188
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyErath County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.4167, -98.1534
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 rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,589 (2024)
Projected traffic6,670 by 2040
Trucks20%
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 Bee Dee Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is US 281 over Bee Dee 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over Bee Dee Creek carry?

About 7,589 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Bee Dee Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Bee Dee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.