US Bridges

FM 523 over Protection Levee Ditch

Good

Brazoria County, Texas · 0.50 MI W of SH 288 · Structure no. 120200017811058

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,998
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 523 over Protection Levee Ditch is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 523 over Protection Levee Ditch in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger 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 5,998 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,980 by 2033. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 523
CrossesProtection Levee Ditch
Location0.50 MI W of SH 288
RouteState Highway 523
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.19751, -95.46095
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,998 (2023)
Projected traffic4,980 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 523 over Protection Levee Ditch built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 523 over Protection Levee Ditch 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 2024.

How much traffic does FM 523 over Protection Levee Ditch carry?

About 5,998 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 523 over Protection Levee Ditch?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns FM 523 over Protection Levee Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.