US Bridges

US 87 over Walnut Creek Branch

Good

Coke County, Texas · 3.20 MI SE Sterling C/L · Structure no. 070410006905044

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
69 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
6,077
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Walnut Creek Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 87 over Walnut Creek Branch in Coke County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 96 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 6,077 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,210 by 2033. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

CarriesUS 87
CrossesWalnut Creek Branch
Location3.20 MI SE Sterling C/L
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateTexas
Coordinates31.70998, -100.7893
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,077 (2020)
Projected traffic8,210 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 87 over Walnut Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is US 87 over Walnut Creek Branch 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 87 over Walnut Creek Branch carry?

About 6,077 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Walnut Creek Branch?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US 87 over Walnut Creek Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.