US Bridges

SH 87 over Intracoastal Canal

Fair

Jefferson County, Texas · 2.9 MI S of SH 82 · Structure no. 201240030701014

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
3,800 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,761
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 87 over Intracoastal Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 87 over Intracoastal Canal in Jefferson County, Texas. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 5 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 8,761 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,265 by 2042. The structure is 3,800 ft (1,158.2 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 87
CrossesIntracoastal Canal
Location2.9 MI S of SH 82
RouteState Highway 87
CountyJefferson County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.82358, -93.96434
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+39 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length3,800 ft (1,158.2 m)
Longest span280 ft (85.3 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width49 ft (14.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,761 (2022)
Projected traffic12,265 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 87 over Intracoastal Canal built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 87 over Intracoastal Canal 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SH 87 over Intracoastal Canal carry?

About 8,761 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 87 over Intracoastal Canal?

The structure is 3,800 ft (1,158.2 m) long with a longest span of 280 ft (85.3 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 87 over Intracoastal Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.