US Bridges

US 281 over Counts Creek

Fair

Erath County, Texas · 0.70 MI N of FM 1188 · Structure no. 020730025003017

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,334
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Counts Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 over Counts 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 7,334 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,360 by 2040. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 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
CrossesCounts Creek
Location0.70 MI N of FM 1188
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyErath County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.4082, -98.1577
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,334 (2022)
Projected traffic7,360 by 2040
Trucks17%
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 Counts 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 Counts 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 Counts Creek carry?

About 7,334 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Counts Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Counts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.