US Bridges

SH87 Ferry N Slp 4 over Galveston Bay

FairPosted for load

Galveston County, Texas · 1.0 MI W of Lp 108 · Structure no. 120850036704024

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
100 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,694
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH87 Ferry N Slp 4 over Galveston Bay is a steel movable - lift carrying SH87 Ferry N Slp 4 over Galveston Bay in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,694 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,772 by 2042. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH87 Ferry N Slp 4
CrossesGalveston Bay
Location1.0 MI W of Lp 108
RouteState Highway 87
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.36271, -94.77944
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,694 (2023)
Projected traffic3,772 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$6,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH87 Ferry N Slp 4 over Galveston Bay built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH87 Ferry N Slp 4 over Galveston Bay 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SH87 Ferry N Slp 4 over Galveston Bay carry?

About 2,694 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH87 Ferry N Slp 4 over Galveston Bay?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns SH87 Ferry N Slp 4 over Galveston Bay?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.