US Bridges

IH 20 EB over US 281

Fair

Palo Pinto County, Texas · 6.0 MI E of FM 4 · Structure no. 021820031402101

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
250 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,881
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 EB over US 281 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 20 EB over US 281 in Palo Pinto County, Texas. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 13,881 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,670 by 2033. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 20 EB
CrossesUS 281
Location6.0 MI E of FM 4
RouteInterstate 20
CountyPalo Pinto County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.60966, -98.11047
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,881 (2023)
Projected traffic13,670 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 20 EB over US 281 built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 20 EB over US 281 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does IH 20 EB over US 281 carry?

About 13,881 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 EB over US 281?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 EB over US 281?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.