US Bridges

US 281 over Pecan Branch

Good

Hamilton County, Texas · 1.3 MI S of SH 36 · Structure no. 090980025102045

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,238
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Pecan Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Pecan Branch in Hamilton County, Texas. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 2014, 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 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 4,238 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,764 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesPecan Branch
Location1.3 MI S of SH 36
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates31.68611, -98.13123
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable 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 loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.9 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,238 (2023)
Projected traffic5,764 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.1 mi (71 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$289,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Pecan Branch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is US 281 over Pecan Branch 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 Pecan Branch carry?

About 4,238 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Pecan Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Pecan Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.