US Bridges

US 81/US 287 over Trib to Big Fossil Creek

Good

Tarrant County, Texas · 2.6 MI NW of IH 35W · Structure no. 022200001415335

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
53,920
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 81/US 287 over Trib to Big Fossil Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 81/US 287 over Trib to Big Fossil Creek in Tarrant County, Texas. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 2018, 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 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 53,920 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 52,550 by 2033. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 81/US 287
CrossesTrib to Big Fossil Creek
Location2.6 MI NW of IH 35W
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyTarrant County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.91431, -97.34709
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum 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 length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic53,920 (2020)
Projected traffic52,550 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 81/US 287 over Trib to Big Fossil Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is US 81/US 287 over Trib to Big Fossil Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 81/US 287 over Trib to Big Fossil Creek carry?

About 53,920 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 81/US 287 over Trib to Big Fossil Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns US 81/US 287 over Trib to Big Fossil Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.