US Bridges

US 81/287 over Briar Branch

Fair

Wise County, Texas · 1.4MI.S.OF US-81 BI/US287 · Structure no. 022490001307024

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
20,877
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 81/287 over Briar Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 81/287 over Briar Branch in Wise County, Texas. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 67 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 20,877 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,010 by 2033. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 81/287
CrossesBriar Branch
Location1.4MI.S.OF US-81 BI/US287
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyWise County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.32933, -97.66957
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,877 (2014)
Projected traffic38,010 by 2033
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 81/287 over Briar Branch built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is US 81/287 over Briar 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does US 81/287 over Briar Branch carry?

About 20,877 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 81/287 over Briar Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 81/287 over Briar Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.