US Bridges

US 87 over UP RR & Beals Creek

Good

Howard County, Texas · 1.1 MI S of IH 20 · Structure no. 081150006808004

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
581 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,952
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over UP RR & Beals Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 87 over UP RR & Beals Creek in Howard County, Texas. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 60 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 5,952 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,390 by 2033. The structure is 581 ft (177.1 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 87
CrossesUP RR & Beals Creek
Location1.1 MI S of IH 20
RouteU.S. Route 87
CountyHoward County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.25412, -101.48058
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length581 ft (177.1 m)
Longest span185 ft (56.4 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.8 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,952 (2020)
Projected traffic23,390 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 87 over UP RR & Beals Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is US 87 over UP RR & Beals Creek 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 UP RR & Beals Creek carry?

About 5,952 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over UP RR & Beals Creek?

The structure is 581 ft (177.1 m) long with a longest span of 185 ft (56.4 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over UP RR & Beals Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.