US Bridges

US 281 over Mesquite Creek

Fair

Hamilton County, Texas · 8.8 MI N of SH 36 · Structure no. 090980025101039

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
140 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,894
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Mesquite Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 over Mesquite Creek in Hamilton County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 85 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 3,894 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,249 by 2039. The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281
CrossesMesquite Creek
Location8.8 MI N of SH 36
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyHamilton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.82867, -98.1153
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating61 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length140 ft (42.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,894 (2023)
Projected traffic5,249 by 2039
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Mesquite Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is US 281 over Mesquite Creek 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over Mesquite Creek carry?

About 3,894 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Mesquite Creek?

The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Mesquite Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.