US Bridges

Lp 257 over Sulphur Creek

Fair

Lampasas County, Texas · 0.5 MI E of US 281 · Structure no. 231410023117043

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
277 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,463
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lp 257 over Sulphur Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Lp 257 over Sulphur Creek in Lampasas County, Texas. It was built in 1942, 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 1,463 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,010 by 2033. The structure is 277 ft (84.4 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesLp 257
CrossesSulphur Creek
Location0.5 MI E of US 281
RouteState Highway 257
CountyLampasas County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.06603, -98.17384
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length277 ft (84.4 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,463 (2022)
Projected traffic5,010 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Lp 257 over Sulphur Creek built?

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

What condition is Lp 257 over Sulphur 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 Lp 257 over Sulphur Creek carry?

About 1,463 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Lp 257 over Sulphur Creek?

The structure is 277 ft (84.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns Lp 257 over Sulphur Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.