US Bridges

US 81 over Red River

Good

Montague County, Texas · At Texas/Okla State Line · Structure no. 031690001301001

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
2,104 ft
21 main spans
Daily traffic
2,160
2020 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

US 81 over Red River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 81 over Red River in Montague County, Texas. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 2,160 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,750 by 2033. The structure is 2,104 ft (641.3 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

CarriesUS 81
CrossesRed River
LocationAt Texas/Okla State Line
RouteU.S. Route 81
StateTexas
Coordinates33.87663, -97.93504
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionMarch 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans21
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,104 ft (641.3 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (13.9 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,160 (2020)
Projected traffic2,750 by 2033
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.1 mi (71 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther State Agency
Maintained byOther State Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 81 over Red River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 81 over Red River 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 81 over Red River carry?

About 2,160 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is US 81 over Red River?

The structure is 2,104 ft (641.3 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 81 over Red River?

It is owned by the Other State Agency.