US Bridges

US 281 over Couch Creek

Good

Hamilton County, Texas · 7.2 MI N of SH 36 · Structure no. 090980025101053

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,048
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Couch Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Couch Creek in Hamilton County, Texas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 4,048 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,315 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesCouch Creek
Location7.2 MI N of SH 36
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates31.8062, -98.11504
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 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 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 spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,048 (2023)
Projected traffic6,315 by 2042
Trucks16%
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$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Couch Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 over Couch Creek 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over Couch Creek carry?

About 4,048 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Couch Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Couch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.