US Bridges

US 281 over W Fork Trinity River Rel

Fair

Jack County, Texas · 0.1 MI S of Loop 187 · Structure no. 021200024905012

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
151 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
1,826
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over W Fork Trinity River Rel is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over W Fork Trinity River Rel in Jack County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 91 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 1,826 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,700 by 2033. The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesW Fork Trinity River Rel
Location0.1 MI S of Loop 187
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyJack County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.41481, -98.36976
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 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 spans14
Design loadH 15
Structure length151 ft (46 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,826 (2023)
Projected traffic2,700 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over W Fork Trinity River Rel built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is US 281 over W Fork Trinity River Rel 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 over W Fork Trinity River Rel carry?

About 1,826 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over W Fork Trinity River Rel?

The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over W Fork Trinity River Rel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.