US Bridges

US 87 NB over Mule Creek

Fair

Tom Green County, Texas · 4.50 MI NW of FM 2288 · Structure no. 072260006907053

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1953
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
66 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,061
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 87 NB over Mule Creek is a concrete slab carrying US 87 NB over Mule Creek in Tom Green County, Texas. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1953, so it is 99 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 5,061 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,750 by 2033. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 87 NB
CrossesMule Creek
Location4.50 MI NW of FM 2288
RouteU.S. Route 87
CountyTom Green County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.58844, -100.6141
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,061 (2020)
Projected traffic6,750 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 Mule Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1953.

What condition is US 87 NB over Mule 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 87 NB over Mule Creek carry?

About 5,061 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 87 NB over Mule Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 87 NB over Mule Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.