US Bridges

US 281 over Sand Branch

Good

Hamilton County, Texas · 3.9 MI N of US 84 · Structure no. 090980025102051

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,618
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Sand Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Sand 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 3,618 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,993 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.9 mi (69 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesSand Branch
Location3.9 MI N of US 84
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates31.53681, -98.15479
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,618 (2023)
Projected traffic4,993 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 Sand 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 Sand 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 Sand Branch carry?

About 3,618 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Sand Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 281 over Sand Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.