US Bridges

US 87 over Bowie Creek

Good

McCulloch County, Texas · 3.35 MI E of FM 3023 · Structure no. 231600007006039

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
47 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,293
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Bowie Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 87 over Bowie Creek in McCulloch County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1963, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,293 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,509 by 2038. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesUS 87
CrossesBowie Creek
Location3.35 MI E of FM 3023
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateTexas
Coordinates31.17375, -99.39051
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,293 (2020)
Projected traffic6,509 by 2038
Trucks30%
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 Bowie Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is US 87 over Bowie Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does US 87 over Bowie Creek carry?

About 3,293 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Bowie Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 87 over Bowie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.