US Bridges

US 281 over Town Branch

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 0.7 MI N of FM2256/US281 · Structure no. 021820025001001

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,252
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Town Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Town Branch in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 5 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 6,252 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,050 by 2037. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesTown Branch
Location0.7 MI N of FM2256/US281
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.79487, -98.11255
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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
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 spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,252 (2024)
Projected traffic11,050 by 2037
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Town Branch built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 over Town 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 281 over Town Branch carry?

About 6,252 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Town Branch?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns US 281 over Town Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.