US Bridges

US 281 over Hassler Branch

Fair

Erath County, Texas · 2.4 MI S of US 67 · Structure no. 020730025004006

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,175
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Hassler Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Hassler Branch in Erath County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 2018, 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 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 7,175 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,310 by 2040. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281
CrossesHassler Branch
Location2.4 MI S of US 67
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyErath County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.18413, -98.16554
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.2 m)
Roadway width49 ft (14.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,175 (2022)
Projected traffic7,310 by 2040
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 Hassler Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is US 281 over Hassler Branch 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 Hassler Branch carry?

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

How long is US 281 over Hassler Branch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Hassler Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.