US Bridges

US 281 over Mckinney Branch

Good

Erath County, Texas · 1.3 MI S of Junction SH 6 · Structure no. 020730025802005

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,079
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Mckinney Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Mckinney Branch in Erath County, Texas. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 93 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 7,079 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,769 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesMckinney Branch
Location1.3 MI S of Junction SH 6
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates32.01637, -98.0671
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.3 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,079 (2022)
Projected traffic9,769 by 2042
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Mckinney Branch built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is US 281 over Mckinney 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 Mckinney Branch carry?

About 7,079 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Mckinney Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Mckinney Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.