US Bridges

SH 6 over Mustang Bayou

Fair

Brazoria County, Texas · 1.45 MI W of SH 35 Bus · Structure no. 120200019202029

Built
1972
53 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
153 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
33,764
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 6 over Mustang Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 6 over Mustang Bayou in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1972 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 53 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 33,764 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,580 by 2033. The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long and 108 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 6
CrossesMustang Bayou
Location1.45 MI W of SH 35 Bus
RouteState Highway 6
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.43662, -95.26618
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length153 ft (46.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.2 m)
Deck width108 ft (32.9 m)
Roadway width90 ft (27.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,764 (2024)
Projected traffic29,580 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 SH 6 over Mustang Bayou built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is SH 6 over Mustang Bayou 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SH 6 over Mustang Bayou carry?

About 33,764 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 6 over Mustang Bayou?

The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.2 m) and a deck 108 ft wide.

Who owns SH 6 over Mustang Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.