US Bridges

US 87 over Salt Creek

Fair

Gillespie County, Texas · 4.10 MI S of US 290 · Structure no. 140870007201003

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,123
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Salt Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 87 over Salt Creek in Gillespie County, Texas. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 92 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 7,123 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,490 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 87
CrossesSalt Creek
Location4.10 MI S of US 290
RouteU.S. Route 87
CountyGillespie County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.21293, -98.86998
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width85 ft (26 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,123 (2020)
Projected traffic11,490 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 87 over Salt Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is US 87 over Salt 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 87 over Salt Creek carry?

About 7,123 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Salt Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over Salt Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.