US Bridges

US 87 over Ward Draw

Fair

Howard County, Texas · 4.3 Miles N of IH 20 · Structure no. 081150006815198

Built
2020
5 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,837
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Ward Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 87 over Ward Draw in Howard County, Texas. It was built in 2020, so it is 5 years old, younger 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 1,837 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,572 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 225 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 87
CrossesWard Draw
Location4.3 Miles N of IH 20
RouteU.S. Route 87
CountyHoward County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.28317, -101.53701
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width225 ft (68.6 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,837 (2020)
Projected traffic2,572 by 2040
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure4
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 87 over Ward Draw built?

It was built in 2020, making it 5 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 87 over Ward 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 87 over Ward Draw carry?

About 1,837 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Ward Draw?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 225 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over Ward Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.