US Bridges

IH 20 EB over Bus 20 & Beals Creek

Fair

Howard County, Texas · 2.5 MI E of US 87 · Structure no. 081150000506129

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
550 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,172
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 EB over Bus 20 & Beals Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 20 EB over Bus 20 & Beals Creek 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 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 12,172 vehicles a day, roughly 43% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,490 by 2033. The structure is 550 ft (167.6 m) long and 43 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 20 EB
CrossesBus 20 & Beals Creek
Location2.5 MI E of US 87
RouteInterstate 20
CountyHoward County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.26142, -101.45113
Functional classUrban 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+6 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length550 ft (167.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,172 (2019)
Projected traffic11,490 by 2033
Trucks43%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$53,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 20 EB over Bus 20 & Beals Creek built?

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

What condition is IH 20 EB over Bus 20 & Beals 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does IH 20 EB over Bus 20 & Beals Creek carry?

About 12,172 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 43% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 EB over Bus 20 & Beals Creek?

The structure is 550 ft (167.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 EB over Bus 20 & Beals Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.