US Bridges

US 87 over Buzzard Draw

Good

Howard County, Texas · 4.1 MI N of FM 1584 · Structure no. 081150006808003

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
41 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
7,788
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Buzzard Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 87 over Buzzard Draw in Howard County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 91 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 7,788 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,770 by 2033. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 133 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 87
CrossesBuzzard Draw
Location4.1 MI N of FM 1584
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateTexas
Coordinates32.40095, -101.56761
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width133 ft (40.6 m)
Roadway width78 ft (23.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,788 (2019)
Projected traffic5,770 by 2033
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$60,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 87 over Buzzard Draw built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is US 87 over Buzzard Draw in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does US 87 over Buzzard Draw carry?

About 7,788 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Buzzard Draw?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 133 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over Buzzard Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.