US Bridges

FM 281 over South Palo Duro Creek

Fair

Hutchinson County, Texas · 0.6 MI E of SH 136 · Structure no. 041180079406003

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
210 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
540
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 281 over South Palo Duro Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 281 over South Palo Duro Creek in Hutchinson County, Texas. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 71 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 5 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 540 vehicles a day, roughly 43% of them trucks, projected to reach 640 by 2033. The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 281
CrossesSouth Palo Duro Creek
Location0.6 MI E of SH 136
RouteState Highway 281
CountyHutchinson County
StateTexas
Coordinates36.02334, -101.45203
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadOther
Structure length210 ft (64 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic540 (2020)
Projected traffic640 by 2033
Trucks43%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$13,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 281 over South Palo Duro Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is FM 281 over South Palo Duro 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 2023.

How much traffic does FM 281 over South Palo Duro Creek carry?

About 540 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 43% are trucks.

How long is FM 281 over South Palo Duro Creek?

The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns FM 281 over South Palo Duro Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.