US Bridges

US 281 over Cowhouse Creek

Fair

Hamilton County, Texas · 1.2 MI N of FM 221 · Structure no. 090980025102048

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
330 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
3,583
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Cowhouse Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 over Cowhouse Creek in Hamilton County, Texas. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 1961, 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 3,583 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,306 by 2042. The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.9 mi (69 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesCowhouse Creek
Location1.2 MI N of FM 221
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyHamilton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.60871, -98.15858
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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length330 ft (100.6 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,583 (2023)
Projected traffic6,306 by 2042
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over Cowhouse Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is US 281 over Cowhouse Creek 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 Cowhouse Creek carry?

About 3,583 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Cowhouse Creek?

The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Cowhouse Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.