US Bridges

SH 87 over Housen Bayou

Fair

Sabine County, Texas · 2.50 MI S of FM 944 · Structure no. 112020030404061

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,255
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 87 over Housen Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 87 over Housen Bayou in Sabine County, Texas. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 71 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 2,255 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,157 by 2040. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 87
CrossesHousen Bayou
Location2.50 MI S of FM 944
RouteState Highway 87
CountySabine County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.30322, -93.84436
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,255 (2020)
Projected traffic3,157 by 2040
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Housen Bayou built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is SH 87 over Housen 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 87 over Housen Bayou carry?

About 2,255 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is SH 87 over Housen Bayou?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 87 over Housen Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.