US Bridges

IH 20 WB over UP RR & Sulphur Draw

Fair

Howard County, Texas · 5.5 MI W of US 87 · Structure no. 081150000505037

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
422 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,310
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 WB over UP RR & Sulphur Draw is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 20 WB over UP RR & Sulphur Draw in Howard County, Texas. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 70 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 13,310 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,350 by 2033. The structure is 422 ft (128.6 m) long and 40 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 20 WB
CrossesUP RR & Sulphur Draw
Location5.5 MI W of US 87
RouteInterstate 20
CountyHoward County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.2246, -101.56279
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length422 ft (128.6 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,310 (2019)
Projected traffic13,350 by 2033
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 IH 20 WB over UP RR & Sulphur Draw built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is IH 20 WB over UP RR & Sulphur 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does IH 20 WB over UP RR & Sulphur Draw carry?

About 13,310 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 WB over UP RR & Sulphur Draw?

The structure is 422 ft (128.6 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 WB over UP RR & Sulphur Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.