US Bridges

US 281 over Pursley Branch

Fair

Jack County, Texas · 1.7 MI SE of SH-114 · Structure no. 021200024906039

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,045
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Pursley Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Pursley Branch in Jack County, Texas. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 1973, 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 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 3,045 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,180 by 2033. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesPursley Branch
Location1.7 MI SE of SH-114
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates33.24939, -98.24109
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 inspectionFebruary 2023
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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,045 (2020)
Projected traffic5,180 by 2033
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Pursley Branch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is US 281 over Pursley Branch 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 Pursley Branch carry?

About 3,045 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Pursley Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US 281 over Pursley Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.