US Bridges

US 281 a over Olmos Creek

Fair

Live Oak County, Texas · 1.0 MI S of FM 99 · Structure no. 161490007314017

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1947
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
159 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
220
2012 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 a over Olmos Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 a over Olmos Creek in Live Oak County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1947, so it is 94 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 220 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 390 by 2032. The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long and 42 ft wide.

CarriesUS 281 a
CrossesOlmos Creek
Location1.0 MI S of FM 99
RouteU.S. Route 281
StateTexas
Coordinates28.62678, -98.26131
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length159 ft (48.5 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic220 (2012)
Projected traffic390 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 US 281 a over Olmos Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1947.

What condition is US 281 a over Olmos 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US 281 a over Olmos Creek carry?

About 220 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 281 a over Olmos Creek?

The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 a over Olmos Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.