US Bridges

US 281 over Indian Creek

Good

Lampasas County, Texas · 2.25 MI S of FM 581 S · Structure no. 231410025105021

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,587
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Indian Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Indian Creek in Lampasas County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1960, 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 3,587 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,837 by 2038. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesIndian Creek
Location2.25 MI S of FM 581 S
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates31.26078, -98.17572
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,587 (2020)
Projected traffic4,837 by 2038
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 Indian Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is US 281 over Indian Creek 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 Indian Creek carry?

About 3,587 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Indian Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 281 over Indian Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.