US Bridges

US 87 over Willow Creek

Fair

Sterling County, Texas · 13.2 MI SE Glasscock C/L · Structure no. 072160006903091

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
85 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
2,752
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 over Willow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 87 over Willow Creek in Sterling County, Texas. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 63 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 2,752 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,853 by 2042. The structure is 85 ft (26 m) long and 129 ft wide.

CarriesUS 87
CrossesWillow Creek
Location13.2 MI SE Glasscock C/L
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateTexas
Coordinates31.89379, -101.07524
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length85 ft (26 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width129 ft (39.4 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,752 (2022)
Projected traffic3,853 by 2042
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is US 87 over Willow 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 87 over Willow Creek carry?

About 2,752 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 87 over Willow Creek?

The structure is 85 ft (26 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 129 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.