US Bridges

SH 87 over Adams Bayou

Fair

Orange County, Texas · 2.1 MI NE of SH 105 · Structure no. 201810002815061

Built
1943
82 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
433 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,359
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 87 over Adams Bayou is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 87 over Adams Bayou in Orange County, Texas. It was built in 1943 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 82 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 17,359 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,010 by 2033. The structure is 433 ft (132 m) long and 89 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 87
CrossesAdams Bayou
Location2.1 MI NE of SH 105
RouteState Highway 87
CountyOrange County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.09353, -93.74979
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 inspectionMarch 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+18 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length433 ft (132 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width89 ft (27 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,359 (2022)
Projected traffic20,010 by 2033
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$83,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 87 over Adams Bayou built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SH 87 over Adams 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SH 87 over Adams Bayou carry?

About 17,359 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SH 87 over Adams Bayou?

The structure is 433 ft (132 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 89 ft wide.

Who owns SH 87 over Adams Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.