US Bridges

IH 20 Sfr over Sulphur Draw

Fair

Howard County, Texas · 2.8 MI E of US 87 · Structure no. 081150000506133

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
7,160
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 Sfr over Sulphur Draw is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 20 Sfr 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 7,160 vehicles a day, roughly 45% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,330 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).

CarriesIH 20 Sfr
CrossesSulphur Draw
Location2.8 MI E of US 87
StateTexas
Coordinates32.26234, -101.44073
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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

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 traffic7,160 (2013)
Projected traffic10,330 by 2035
Trucks45%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
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$2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 20 Sfr over Sulphur Draw built?

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

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

About 7,160 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 45% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 Sfr 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 Sfr over Sulphur Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.