US Bridges

US 85 over BNSF RR Yard

Fair

El Paso County, Texas · 3.3 MI W of IH 110 · Structure no. 240720000104063

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,388 ft
16 main spans
Daily traffic
15,313
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 85 over BNSF RR Yard is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 85 over BNSF RR Yard in El Paso County, Texas. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 72 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 5 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 15,313 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,294 by 2041. The structure is 1,388 ft (423.1 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 85
CrossesBNSF RR Yard
Location3.3 MI W of IH 110
RouteU.S. Route 85
CountyEl Paso County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.75715, -106.49942
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans16 (+18 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length1,388 ft (423.1 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width52 ft (16 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,313 (2021)
Projected traffic19,294 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 85 over BNSF RR Yard built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is US 85 over BNSF RR Yard 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 85 over BNSF RR Yard carry?

About 15,313 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 85 over BNSF RR Yard?

The structure is 1,388 ft (423.1 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns US 85 over BNSF RR Yard?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.