US Bridges

SH 73/SH 87 SB over Gulf State Utility Canal

Fair

Orange County, Texas · 2.90 MI S of FM 1442 · Structure no. 201810030602031

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
245 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
11,034
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 73/SH 87 SB over Gulf State Utility Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 73/SH 87 SB over Gulf State Utility Canal in Orange County, Texas. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger 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 11,034 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,580 by 2033. The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 73/SH 87 SB
CrossesGulf State Utility Canal
Location2.90 MI S of FM 1442
RouteState Highway 73
CountyOrange County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.99984, -93.86714
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length245 ft (74.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,034 (2020)
Projected traffic17,580 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 73/SH 87 SB over Gulf State Utility Canal built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 73/SH 87 SB over Gulf State Utility Canal 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 Gulf State Utility Canal carry?

About 11,034 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 73/SH 87 SB over Gulf State Utility Canal?

The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 73/SH 87 SB over Gulf State Utility Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.