US Bridges

Bu 287 over Low Branch

Fair

Johnson County, Texas · 0.2 MI SE of FM 917 · Structure no. 021270017203008

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
7,590
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 287 over Low Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Bu 287 over Low Branch in Johnson County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1959, 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 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 7,590 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,660 by 2033. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBu 287
CrossesLow Branch
Location0.2 MI SE of FM 917
RouteState Highway 287
CountyJohnson County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.54789, -97.12666
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span4 ft (1.2 m)
Deck width49 ft (15 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,590 (2023)
Projected traffic4,660 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Bu 287 over Low Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is Bu 287 over Low Branch 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Bu 287 over Low Branch carry?

About 7,590 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Bu 287 over Low Branch?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 4 ft (1.2 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 287 over Low Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.