US Bridges

US 281 over Round Hole Branch

Fair

Erath County, Texas · 5.1 MI S of FM 913 · Structure no. 020730025004009

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,813
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Round Hole Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Round Hole Branch in Erath County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1962, 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 4,813 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,120 by 2040. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesRound Hole Branch
Location5.1 MI S of FM 913
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyErath County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.06889, -98.09609
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than 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 spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,813 (2024)
Projected traffic5,120 by 2040
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 Round Hole Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is US 281 over Round Hole 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 Round Hole Branch carry?

About 4,813 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Round Hole Branch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Round Hole Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.