US Bridges

US 87 over Sand Creek

Fair

Potter County, Texas · 5.4 MI N of Canadian Riv · Structure no. 041880004105007

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
12,487
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Sand Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 87 over Sand Creek in Potter County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 94 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 12,487 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,480 by 2033. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 72.7 mi (117 km).

CarriesUS 87
CrossesSand Creek
Location5.4 MI N of Canadian Riv
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateTexas
Coordinates35.53733, -101.92911
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,487 (2020)
Projected traffic20,480 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed72.7 mi (117 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 US 87 over Sand Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is US 87 over Sand Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 87 over Sand Creek carry?

About 12,487 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Sand Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns US 87 over Sand Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.