US Bridges

SH 87 over Big Cypress Creek

Fair

Newton County, Texas · 5.30 MI N of SH 12 · Structure no. 201760030505045

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
334 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
2,704
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 87 over Big Cypress Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 87 over Big Cypress Creek in Newton County, Texas. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 69 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 2,704 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,353 by 2042. The structure is 334 ft (101.8 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 87
CrossesBig Cypress Creek
Location5.30 MI N of SH 12
RouteState Highway 87
CountyNewton County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.34556, -93.80477
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadOther
Structure length334 ft (101.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,704 (2022)
Projected traffic3,353 by 2042
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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$40,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 87 over Big Cypress Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is SH 87 over Big Cypress 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 May 2024.

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

About 2,704 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 87 over Big Cypress Creek?

The structure is 334 ft (101.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 87 over Big Cypress Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.