US Bridges

US 281 over Bosque River Relief

Fair

Hamilton County, Texas · 0.5 MI S of SH 6 · Structure no. 090980025101042

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 2007
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,992
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Bosque River Relief is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Bosque River Relief in Hamilton County, Texas. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 2007, so it is 83 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 6,992 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,768 by 2039. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281
CrossesBosque River Relief
Location0.5 MI S of SH 6
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyHamilton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.97551, -98.03563
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 inspectionJanuary 2023
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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable 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 length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,992 (2019)
Projected traffic10,768 by 2039
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Bosque River Relief built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2007.

What condition is US 281 over Bosque River Relief 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 over Bosque River Relief carry?

About 6,992 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Bosque River Relief?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 281 over Bosque River Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.