US Bridges

US 87 NB over Big Blue Creek

Fair

Moore County, Texas · 6.7 MI N of SH 354 · Structure no. 041710006605017

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
273 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
5,811
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 NB over Big Blue Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 87 NB over Big Blue Creek in Moore County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 5,811 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,450 by 2033. The structure is 273 ft (83.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

CarriesUS 87 NB
CrossesBig Blue Creek
Location6.7 MI N of SH 354
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateTexas
Coordinates35.78323, -101.95756
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
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadOther
Structure length273 ft (83.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,811 (2020)
Projected traffic7,450 by 2033
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 NB over Big Blue Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 87 NB over Big Blue 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 87 NB over Big Blue Creek carry?

About 5,811 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 87 NB over Big Blue Creek?

The structure is 273 ft (83.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 NB over Big Blue Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.