US Bridges

SH 81 over Hayden Creek

Fair

Johnson County, Texas · 1.56 MI S of FM 916 · Structure no. 021270001404022

Built
1924
101 years old, rebuilt 1940
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
48 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,489
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 81 over Hayden Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 81 over Hayden Creek in Johnson County, Texas. It was built in 1924 and reconstructed in 1940, so it is 101 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 1,489 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 880 by 2038. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 81
CrossesHayden Creek
Location1.56 MI S of FM 916
RouteState Highway 81
CountyJohnson County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.24788, -97.18199
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,489 (2023)
Projected traffic880 by 2038
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 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 SH 81 over Hayden Creek built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1940.

What condition is SH 81 over Hayden 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SH 81 over Hayden Creek carry?

About 1,489 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 81 over Hayden Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns SH 81 over Hayden Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.