US Bridges

US 281 over US 84

Fair

Hamilton County, Texas · 3.1 MI E of FM 2414 · Structure no. 090980005502066

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,440
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over US 84 is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 over US 84 in Hamilton County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 86 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 5 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 4,440 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,328 by 2039. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 68 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesUS 84
Location3.1 MI E of FM 2414
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyHamilton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.47998, -98.15102
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.6 m)
Roadway width55 ft (16.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,440 (2019)
Projected traffic5,328 by 2039
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$800,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over US 84 built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is US 281 over US 84 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 over US 84 carry?

About 4,440 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over US 84?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over US 84?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.