US Bridges

SH 87 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Orange County, Texas · 3.20 MI S of Newton C/L · Structure no. 201810030507043

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,752
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 87 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 87 over Drainage Ditch in Orange County, Texas. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 75 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 6,752 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,160 by 2033. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 87
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location3.20 MI S of Newton C/L
RouteState Highway 87
CountyOrange County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.19853, -93.76192
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,752 (2016)
Projected traffic6,160 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is SH 87 over Drainage Ditch 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 Drainage Ditch carry?

About 6,752 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 87 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 87 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.