US Bridges

US 87 over Elbow Creek

Fair

Howard County, Texas · 1.2 MI S of FM 33 · Structure no. 081150006901004

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,730
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Elbow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 87 over Elbow Creek in Howard County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1996, 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 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 6,730 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,420 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.9 mi (61 km).

CarriesUS 87
CrossesElbow Creek
Location1.2 MI S of FM 33
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateTexas
Coordinates32.1613, -101.46184
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,730 (2013)
Projected traffic9,420 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.9 mi (61 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 87 over Elbow Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is US 87 over Elbow Creek 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 US 87 over Elbow Creek carry?

About 6,730 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Elbow Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 87 over Elbow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.