US Bridges

US 281 over School Creek

Fair

Lampasas County, Texas · 0.75 MI S of FM 1690 · Structure no. 231410025105024

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
171 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,219
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over School Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 over School 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 3,219 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,891 by 2038. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesSchool Creek
Location0.75 MI S of FM 1690
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyLampasas County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.21436, -98.17297
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,219 (2020)
Projected traffic5,891 by 2038
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 School 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 School 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 School Creek carry?

About 3,219 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over School Creek?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over School Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.