US Bridges

FM 581 over Mill Branch

Fair

Lampasas County, Texas · 1.45 MI SE of US 281 · Structure no. 231410228501001

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
190
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 581 over Mill Branch is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 581 over Mill Branch in Lampasas County, Texas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 190 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 188 by 2038. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 581
CrossesMill Branch
Location1.45 MI SE of US 281
RouteState Highway 581
CountyLampasas County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.28611, -98.15427
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic190 (2020)
Projected traffic188 by 2038
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 FM 581 over Mill Branch built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 581 over Mill Branch 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 FM 581 over Mill Branch carry?

About 190 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is FM 581 over Mill Branch?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 581 over Mill Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.