SH 73/SH 87 NB over Cow Bayou
PoorOrange County, Texas · 0.40 MI S of SH 62 · Structure no. 201810030601017
- Built
- 1941
- 84 years old, rebuilt 2015
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected June 2024
- Type
- Movable - Swing
- Steel
- Length
- 804 ft
- 2 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 14,443
- 2022 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
SH 73/SH 87 NB over Cow Bayou is a steel movable - swing carrying SH 73/SH 87 NB over Cow Bayou in Orange County, Texas. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 84 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.
The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
It carries about 14,443 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,931 by 2042. The structure is 804 ft (245.1 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was SH 73/SH 87 NB over Cow Bayou built?
It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.
What condition is SH 73/SH 87 NB over Cow Bayou in?
The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.
How much traffic does SH 73/SH 87 NB over Cow Bayou carry?
About 14,443 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.
How long is SH 73/SH 87 NB over Cow Bayou?
The structure is 804 ft (245.1 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.
Who owns SH 73/SH 87 NB over Cow Bayou?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.