US Bridges

US 87 over IH 20

Fair

Howard County, Texas · 1.0 MI W of SH 350 · Structure no. 081150000505156

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
242 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
11,029
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over IH 20 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 87 over IH 20 in Howard County, Texas. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 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 11,029 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,240 by 2035. The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 87
CrossesIH 20
Location1.0 MI W of SH 350
RouteU.S. Route 87
CountyHoward County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.26352, -101.49034
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length242 ft (73.8 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.6 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,029 (2023)
Projected traffic9,240 by 2035
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 87 over IH 20 built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 87 over IH 20 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 US 87 over IH 20 carry?

About 11,029 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over IH 20?

The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over IH 20?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.