US Bridges

US 281 over W Fork of Trinity River

Good

Jack County, Texas · 0.2 MI S of Loop 187 · Structure no. 021200024905073

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
153 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,826
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over W Fork of Trinity River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 over W Fork of Trinity River in Jack County, Texas. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 1,826 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,700 by 2033. The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesW Fork of Trinity River
Location0.2 MI S of Loop 187
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates33.41343, -98.36951
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length153 ft (46.6 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 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
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

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

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

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

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

The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over W Fork of Trinity River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.