US Bridges

SH 73/SH 87 SB over Cow Bayou

Fair

Orange County, Texas · 0.40 MI S of SH 62 · Structure no. 201810030601021

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
2,525 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,434
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 73/SH 87 SB over Cow Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 73/SH 87 SB over Cow Bayou in Orange County, Texas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 12,434 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,220 by 2033. The structure is 2,525 ft (769.6 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 73/SH 87 SB
CrossesCow Bayou
Location0.40 MI S of SH 62
RouteState Highway 73
CountyOrange County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.04483, -93.8214
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+30 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,525 ft (769.6 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,434 (2020)
Projected traffic17,220 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 73/SH 87 SB over Cow Bayou built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 73/SH 87 SB over Cow 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 73/SH 87 SB over Cow Bayou carry?

About 12,434 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 73/SH 87 SB over Cow Bayou?

The structure is 2,525 ft (769.6 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 73/SH 87 SB over Cow Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.