US Bridges

US 87 over Palo Duro Creek

Fair

Moore County, Texas · 0.9 MI E of FM 2589 · Structure no. 041710042502002

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
4,340
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Palo Duro Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 87 over Palo Duro Creek in Moore County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 2013, 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 4,340 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,070 by 2033. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 94 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 87
CrossesPalo Duro Creek
Location0.9 MI E of FM 2589
RouteU.S. Route 87
CountyMoore County
StateTexas
Coordinates35.86567, -102.01767
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span4 ft (1.2 m)
Deck width94 ft (28.8 m)
Roadway width87 ft (26.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,340 (2013)
Projected traffic6,070 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Palo Duro Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is US 87 over Palo Duro 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 over Palo Duro Creek carry?

About 4,340 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Palo Duro Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 4 ft (1.2 m) and a deck 94 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over Palo Duro Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.