US Bridges

US 281 over Freeman Branch

Good

Lampasas County, Texas · 5.80 MI S of Coryell C/L · Structure no. 231410025104018

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,078
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Freeman Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 over Freeman Branch in Lampasas County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 90 years old, older 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 3,078 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,882 by 2038. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesFreeman Branch
Location5.80 MI S of Coryell C/L
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates31.36841, -98.17723
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,078 (2020)
Projected traffic4,882 by 2038
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 Freeman Branch built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is US 281 over Freeman Branch 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over Freeman Branch carry?

About 3,078 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Freeman Branch?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Freeman Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.