US Bridges

US 281 over Leon River

Fair

Hamilton County, Texas · 5.9 MI N of SH 36 · Structure no. 090980025101054

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
752 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,264
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Leon River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 over Leon River 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 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 4,264 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,328 by 2039. The structure is 752 ft (229.2 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesLeon River
Location5.9 MI N of SH 36
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyHamilton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.78876, -98.12142
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+8 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length752 ft (229.2 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,264 (2020)
Projected traffic4,328 by 2039
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4.7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Leon River built?

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

What condition is US 281 over Leon River 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 Leon River carry?

About 4,264 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Leon River?

The structure is 752 ft (229.2 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Leon River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.