US Bridges

SH 86 over Buzzard Draw

Fair

Hall County, Texas · 11.5 MI W of US 287 · Structure no. 250970010501047

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
380
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 86 over Buzzard Draw is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 86 over Buzzard Draw in Hall County, Texas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 380 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 570 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.9 mi (69 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 86
CrossesBuzzard Draw
Location11.5 MI W of US 287
RouteState Highway 86
CountyHall County
StateTexas
Coordinates34.51386, -100.62899
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionMay 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic380 (2019)
Projected traffic570 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.9 mi (69 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 86 over Buzzard Draw built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 86 over Buzzard Draw 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 SH 86 over Buzzard Draw carry?

About 380 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SH 86 over Buzzard Draw?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 86 over Buzzard Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.