US Bridges

US 281 over Sulphur Creek Tributary

Fair

Lampasas County, Texas · 1.35 MI S of US 183 S · Structure no. 231410025106030

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,467
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Sulphur Creek Tributary is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Sulphur Creek Tributary in Lampasas County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 2009, 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 7,467 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,005 by 2038. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 110 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281
CrossesSulphur Creek Tributary
Location1.35 MI S of US 183 S
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyLampasas County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.04111, -98.18047
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width110 ft (33.6 m)
Roadway width108 ft (33 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,467 (2020)
Projected traffic11,005 by 2038
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 Sulphur Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is US 281 over Sulphur Creek Tributary 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 Sulphur Creek Tributary carry?

About 7,467 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Sulphur Creek Tributary?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 110 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Sulphur Creek Tributary?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.