US Bridges

SH87 Ferry N Slp 5 over Galveston Bay

Fair

Galveston County, Texas · 1.0 MI W of Lp 108 · Structure no. 120850036704032

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
106 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,694
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH87 Ferry N Slp 5 over Galveston Bay is a steel movable - lift carrying SH87 Ferry N Slp 5 over Galveston Bay in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 years old, younger 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 2,694 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,772 by 2042. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH87 Ferry N Slp 5
CrossesGalveston Bay
Location1.0 MI W of Lp 108
RouteState Highway 87
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.3624, -94.77924
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 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
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 25 or greater
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

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$8,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH87 Ferry N Slp 5 over Galveston Bay built?

It was built in 2006, making it 19 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH87 Ferry N Slp 5 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does SH87 Ferry N Slp 5 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 5 over Galveston Bay?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SH87 Ferry N Slp 5 over Galveston Bay?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.