US Bridges

US 87 over Dry Creek

Fair

McCulloch County, Texas · 9.60 MI E of Concho C/L · Structure no. 231600007006035

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
55 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,185
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Dry Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 87 over Dry Creek in McCulloch County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 90 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 3,185 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,352 by 2038. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 87
CrossesDry Creek
Location9.60 MI E of Concho C/L
RouteU.S. Route 87
CountyMcCulloch County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.18735, -99.44758
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 inspectionApril 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,185 (2020)
Projected traffic5,352 by 2038
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is US 87 over Dry 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 87 over Dry Creek carry?

About 3,185 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.