US Bridges

SH 87 over Coons Bayou

Fair

Orange County, Texas · 0.80 MI NE of SH 62 · Structure no. 201810030601016

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,030
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 87 over Coons Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying SH 87 over Coons Bayou in Orange County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 86 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 15,030 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,420 by 2033. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 109 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 87
CrossesCoons Bayou
Location0.80 MI NE of SH 62
RouteState Highway 87
CountyOrange County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.05904, -93.80659
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width109 ft (33.1 m)
Roadway width93 ft (28.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,030 (2020)
Projected traffic20,420 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 87 over Coons Bayou built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is SH 87 over Coons 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 Coons Bayou carry?

About 15,030 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SH 87 over Coons Bayou?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 109 ft wide.

Who owns SH 87 over Coons Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.