US Bridges

US 287 NB over Bell Creek

Fair

Donley County, Texas · 11.1MI E Clarendon Cty Lt · Structure no. 250650004207033

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
86 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,642
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 287 NB over Bell Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 287 NB over Bell Creek in Donley County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 90 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 6,642 vehicles a day, roughly 38% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,390 by 2033. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 287 NB
CrossesBell Creek
Location11.1MI E Clarendon Cty Lt
RouteU.S. Route 287
CountyDonley County
StateTexas
Coordinates34.87048, -100.69629
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,642 (2023)
Projected traffic8,390 by 2033
Trucks38%
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 Bell Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is US 287 NB over Bell Creek 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 287 NB over Bell Creek carry?

About 6,642 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 38% are trucks.

How long is US 287 NB over Bell Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 287 NB over Bell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.