US Bridges

US 81/US 287 over Trib to Big Fossil Creek

Fair

Tarrant County, Texas · 0.6 MI NW of IH 35W · Structure no. 022200001415337

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
91 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
75,482
2024 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 1976, 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 75,482 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 107,840 by 2040. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 81/US 287
CrossesTrib to Big Fossil Creek
Location0.6 MI NW of IH 35W
RouteU.S. Route 81
CountyTarrant County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.89426, -97.3263
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75,482 (2024)
Projected traffic107,840 by 2040
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 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 1976.

What condition is US 81/US 287 over Trib to Big Fossil 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 April 2024.

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

About 75,482 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

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

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.