US Bridges

US 287 NB over Horse Head Creek

Good

Childress County, Texas · 5.279MI E Childress Cty L · Structure no. 250380004301150

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,940
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 287 NB over Horse Head Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 287 NB over Horse Head Creek in Childress 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,940 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,320 by 2039. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 287 NB
CrossesHorse Head Creek
Location5.279MI E Childress Cty L
RouteU.S. Route 287
StateTexas
Coordinates34.39248, -100.10599
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,940 (2019)
Projected traffic8,320 by 2039
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 287 NB over Horse Head Creek built?

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

What condition is US 287 NB over Horse Head Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does US 287 NB over Horse Head Creek carry?

About 5,940 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is US 287 NB over Horse Head Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 287 NB over Horse Head Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.