US Bridges

SH 87 over Big Cow Creek

Fair

Newton County, Texas · 2.35 MI SW of US 190 · Structure no. 201760030501052

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
440 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
2,513
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 87 over Big Cow Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 87 over Big Cow Creek in Newton County, Texas. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 2,513 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,890 by 2033. The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 87
CrossesBig Cow Creek
Location2.35 MI SW of US 190
RouteState Highway 87
CountyNewton County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.8189, -93.78564
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadHS 20
Structure length440 ft (134.1 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,513 (2024)
Projected traffic3,890 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 SH 87 over Big Cow Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 87 over Big Cow 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SH 87 over Big Cow Creek carry?

About 2,513 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SH 87 over Big Cow Creek?

The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 87 over Big Cow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.