US Bridges

US 281 over At&sf Railroad

Fair

Lampasas County, Texas · 2.35 MI N of US 183 · Structure no. 231410025105028

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
157 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,217
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over At&sf Railroad is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 over At&sf Railroad 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 5,217 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,294 by 2038. The structure is 157 ft (47.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesAt&sf Railroad
Location2.35 MI N of US 183
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyLampasas County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.11555, -98.19386
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length157 ft (47.9 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,217 (2022)
Projected traffic6,294 by 2038
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 281 over At&sf Railroad built?

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

What condition is US 281 over At&sf Railroad 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 At&sf Railroad carry?

About 5,217 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over At&sf Railroad?

The structure is 157 ft (47.9 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over At&sf Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.