US Bridges

US 281 over Trib N Bosque River

Fair

Hamilton County, Texas · 0.6 MI N of SH 6 · Structure no. 090980025803047

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,963
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Trib N Bosque River is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Trib N Bosque River in Hamilton County, Texas. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 6,963 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,748 by 2039. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesTrib N Bosque River
Location0.6 MI N of SH 6
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyHamilton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.9902, -98.04029
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 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,963 (2019)
Projected traffic9,748 by 2039
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Trib N Bosque River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 over Trib N Bosque 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 Trib N Bosque River carry?

About 6,963 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Trib N Bosque River?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Trib N Bosque River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.