US Bridges

US 281 over Little Lucy Creek

Good

Lampasas County, Texas · 2.65 MI N of US 183 · Structure no. 231410025105027

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
86 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,822
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Little Lucy Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 over Little Lucy 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 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 4,822 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,294 by 2038. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesUS 281
CrossesLittle Lucy Creek
Location2.65 MI N of US 183
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates31.11978, -98.19177
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 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 evaluation7: Better than 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 rating73 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.2 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 traffic4,822 (2023)
Projected traffic6,294 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 Little Lucy 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 Little Lucy 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 Little Lucy Creek carry?

About 4,822 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Little Lucy Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Little Lucy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.