US Bridges

US 281 over Rocky Bluff Creek

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 3.6 Miles S of I-20 · Structure no. 021820025002014

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,281
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 over Rocky Bluff Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 281 over Rocky Bluff Creek in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 8,281 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,320 by 2037. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 281
CrossesRocky Bluff Creek
Location3.6 Miles S of I-20
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.55606, -98.11718
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry5: 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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,281 (2020)
Projected traffic10,320 by 2037
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Rocky Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 over Rocky Bluff 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 Rocky Bluff Creek carry?

About 8,281 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 281 over Rocky Bluff Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 over Rocky Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.