US Bridges

FM 787 over L Tarkington Bayou Rel

Fair

Liberty County, Texas · 1.4 MI NE of SH 321 · Structure no. 201460081301008

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
36 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,560
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 787 over L Tarkington Bayou Rel is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 787 over L Tarkington Bayou Rel in Liberty County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 95 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 5,560 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,784 by 2042. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 787
CrossesL Tarkington Bayou Rel
Location1.4 MI NE of SH 321
RouteState Highway 787
CountyLiberty County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.3511, -95.06661
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,560 (2022)
Projected traffic7,784 by 2042
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 787 over L Tarkington Bayou Rel built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is FM 787 over L Tarkington Bayou Rel 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does FM 787 over L Tarkington Bayou Rel carry?

About 5,560 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is FM 787 over L Tarkington Bayou Rel?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns FM 787 over L Tarkington Bayou Rel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.