US Bridges

US 87 NB over China Draw

Good

Sterling County, Texas · 8.60 MI SE of SH 158 · Structure no. 072160006904117

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,330
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 NB over China Draw is a concrete culvert carrying US 87 NB over China Draw in Sterling 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,330 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,660 by 2033. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 87 NB
CrossesChina Draw
Location8.60 MI SE of SH 158
RouteU.S. Route 87
StateTexas
Coordinates31.77052, -100.85982
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,330 (2013)
Projected traffic4,660 by 2033
Trucks17%
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 87 NB over China Draw built?

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

What condition is US 87 NB over China Draw in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does US 87 NB over China Draw carry?

About 3,330 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 87 NB over China Draw?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 87 NB over China Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.