US Bridges

US 87 NB over Middle Tule Draw

Fair

Swisher County, Texas · 0.3 MI S of SH 86 · Structure no. 052190006718008

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
590
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 NB over Middle Tule Draw is a concrete tee beam carrying US 87 NB over Middle Tule Draw in Swisher County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 91 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 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 590 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 830 by 2033. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 87 NB
CrossesMiddle Tule Draw
Location0.3 MI S of SH 86
RouteU.S. Route 87
CountySwisher County
StateTexas
Coordinates34.52494, -101.78081
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic590 (2013)
Projected traffic830 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 SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$132,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 87 NB over Middle Tule Draw built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is US 87 NB over Middle Tule Draw 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 87 NB over Middle Tule Draw carry?

About 590 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 87 NB over Middle Tule Draw?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 NB over Middle Tule Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.