US Bridges

US 281 over Patterson Creek

Fair

Lampasas County, Texas · 3.30 MI S of FM 581 S · Structure no. 231410025105023

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
143 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,050
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Patterson Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 over Patterson Creek in Lampasas County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 91 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 4,050 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,837 by 2038. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesPatterson Creek
Location3.30 MI S of FM 581 S
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates31.24587, -98.17756
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,050 (2023)
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 Patterson Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is US 281 over Patterson 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 over Patterson Creek carry?

About 4,050 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Patterson Creek?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Patterson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.