US Bridges

IH 20 Nfr over Sulphur Draw

Fair

Howard County, Texas · 2.8 MI E of US 87 · Structure no. 081150000506130

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
513 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
550
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 Nfr over Sulphur Draw is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 20 Nfr over Sulphur Draw 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 550 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 770 by 2035. The structure is 513 ft (156.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 20 Nfr
CrossesSulphur Draw
Location2.8 MI E of US 87
CountyHoward County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.26276, -101.44142
Functional classUrban 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
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans12
Design loadH 20
Structure length513 ft (156.4 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic550 (2015)
Projected traffic770 by 2035
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 20 Nfr over Sulphur Draw built?

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

What condition is IH 20 Nfr over 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 Nfr over Sulphur Draw carry?

About 550 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 Nfr over Sulphur Draw?

The structure is 513 ft (156.4 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 Nfr over Sulphur Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.