US Bridges

US 281 over Barton Branch

Fair

Hamilton County, Texas · 3.6 MI S of SH 36 · Structure no. 090980025102046

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,874
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Barton Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Barton 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 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 3,874 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,726 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 82 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.9 mi (69 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281
CrossesBarton Branch
Location3.6 MI S of SH 36
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyHamilton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.65479, -98.14442
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 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width82 ft (25 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,874 (2023)
Projected traffic4,726 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.9 mi (69 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$207,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Barton 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 Barton Branch 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 Barton Branch carry?

About 3,874 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Barton Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 82 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Barton Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.