US Bridges

US 87 over Longbottom Creek

Fair

Mason County, Texas · 8.80 MI SE of RM 152 · Structure no. 141570007105024

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1945
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
47 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
2,995
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Longbottom Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 87 over Longbottom Creek in Mason County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1945, so it is 96 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 2,995 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,310 by 2033. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 87
CrossesLongbottom Creek
Location8.80 MI SE of RM 152
RouteU.S. Route 87
CountyMason County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.53834, -99.01265
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,995 (2020)
Projected traffic3,310 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 US 87 over Longbottom Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1945.

What condition is US 87 over Longbottom 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 87 over Longbottom Creek carry?

About 2,995 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Longbottom Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over Longbottom Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.