US Bridges

US 281 over Pole Hollow Branch

Good

Erath County, Texas · 1.4 MI S of US 67 · Structure no. 020730025004005

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
86 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,175
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Pole Hollow Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 over Pole Hollow Branch in Erath County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 91 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 7,175 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,960 by 2040. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesPole Hollow Branch
Location1.4 MI S of US 67
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates32.19431, -98.17774
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,175 (2022)
Projected traffic8,960 by 2040
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 Pole Hollow Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is US 281 over Pole Hollow 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 Pole Hollow Branch carry?

About 7,175 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Pole Hollow Branch?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Pole Hollow Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.