US Bridges

US81/US 287 NB over BNSF Railroad

Fair

Tarrant County, Texas · 1.1 MI NW of FM 156 · Structure no. 022200001415331

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
300 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
22,913
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US81/US 287 NB over BNSF Railroad is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US81/US 287 NB over BNSF Railroad in Tarrant County, Texas. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 22,913 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,090 by 2033. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS81/US 287 NB
CrossesBNSF Railroad
Location1.1 MI NW of FM 156
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyTarrant County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.92753, -97.36129
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,913 (2020)
Projected traffic25,090 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$490,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US81/US 287 NB over BNSF Railroad built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is US81/US 287 NB over BNSF Railroad 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 US81/US 287 NB over BNSF Railroad carry?

About 22,913 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US81/US 287 NB over BNSF Railroad?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US81/US 287 NB over BNSF Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.