US Bridges

US 281 over Turkey Creek

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 0.2 MI S FM 2270 · Structure no. 021820024908029

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
86 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,693
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Turkey Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 281 over Turkey Creek in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 95 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 3,693 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,220 by 2033. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesTurkey Creek
Location0.2 MI S FM 2270
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.90661, -98.08097
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,693 (2020)
Projected traffic6,220 by 2033
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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 US 281 over Turkey Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is US 281 over Turkey 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 over Turkey Creek carry?

About 3,693 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Turkey Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Turkey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.