The original Loop 281 was designated on December 3, 1954, from then-US 82/US 287 southeast of Wichita Falls northwest along the MKT & FW & DC rail lines to then-US 281 on the city's north side. Loop 281 was cancelled on November 7, 1958, and renumbered as Loop 165 (now SH 240) to avoid confusion with US 281.
