US Bridges

IH 20 over Union Pacific RR

Fair

Howard County, Texas · 1.7 MI E of FM 821 · Structure no. 081150000506043

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
422 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
18,418
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 over Union Pacific RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 20 over Union Pacific RR in Howard County, Texas. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 69 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 18,418 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,370 by 2035. The structure is 422 ft (128.6 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 20
CrossesUnion Pacific RR
Location1.7 MI E of FM 821
RouteInterstate 20
CountyHoward County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.31643, -101.21236
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.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadH 20
Structure length422 ft (128.6 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.5 m)
Roadway width75 ft (23 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,418 (2020)
Projected traffic32,370 by 2035
Trucks36%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 km)
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 20 over Union Pacific RR built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is IH 20 over Union Pacific RR 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 over Union Pacific RR carry?

About 18,418 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 over Union Pacific RR?

The structure is 422 ft (128.6 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 over Union Pacific RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.