US Bridges

US 87 over Big Spring Creek

Fair

Howard County, Texas · 0.3 MI S of FM 700 · Structure no. 081150006901074

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,768
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Big Spring Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 87 over Big Spring Creek in Howard County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 86 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 16,768 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,520 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 70 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 87
CrossesBig Spring Creek
Location0.3 MI S of FM 700
RouteU.S. Route 87
CountyHoward County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.22618, -101.47003
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry5: 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 rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.4 m)
Roadway width67 ft (20.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,768 (2023)
Projected traffic23,520 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 Big Spring Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is US 87 over Big Spring 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 Big Spring Creek carry?

About 16,768 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Big Spring Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over Big Spring Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.