US Bridges

SH 87 over Yellow Bayou

Fair

Newton County, Texas · 3.00 MI S of SH 63 · Structure no. 201760030406056

Built
1944
81 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,534
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 87 over Yellow Bayou is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 87 over Yellow Bayou in Newton County, Texas. It was built in 1944, so it is 81 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 1,534 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,148 by 2042. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 87
CrossesYellow Bayou
Location3.00 MI S of SH 63
RouteState Highway 87
CountyNewton County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.96043, -93.68161
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,534 (2022)
Projected traffic2,148 by 2042
Trucks11%
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$11,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 87 over Yellow Bayou built?

It was built in 1944, making it 81 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 87 over Yellow Bayou 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 SH 87 over Yellow Bayou carry?

About 1,534 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 87 over Yellow Bayou?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns SH 87 over Yellow Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.