US Bridges

US 281 NB over Brazos River

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 2.2 Mi. N. of IH20 · Structure no. 021820025002105

Built
2015
10 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,137 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
2,163
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 281 NB over Brazos River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 281 NB over Brazos River in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 2015, so it is 10 years old, younger 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 2,163 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,690 by 2037. The structure is 1,137 ft (346.6 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 281 NB
CrossesBrazos River
Location2.2 Mi. N. of IH20
RouteU.S. Route 281
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.64144, -98.10023
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8 (+2 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length1,137 ft (346.6 m)
Longest span126 ft (38.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,163 (2024)
Projected traffic4,690 by 2037
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway 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 281 NB over Brazos River built?

It was built in 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 281 NB over Brazos River 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 NB over Brazos River carry?

About 2,163 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 281 NB over Brazos River?

The structure is 1,137 ft (346.6 m) long with a longest span of 126 ft (38.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 281 NB over Brazos River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.