US Bridges

FM 522 over San Bernard River

Fair

Brazoria County, Texas · 0.40 MI E of FM 1459 · Structure no. 120200097701001

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
334 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,486
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 522 over San Bernard River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 522 over San Bernard River in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 5 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 5,486 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,850 by 2033. The structure is 334 ft (101.8 m) long and 29 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 522
CrossesSan Bernard River
Location0.40 MI E of FM 1459
RouteState Highway 522
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.07869, -95.68276
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+6 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length334 ft (101.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,486 (2024)
Projected traffic5,850 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$21,000
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 522 over San Bernard River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 522 over San Bernard River 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does FM 522 over San Bernard River carry?

About 5,486 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 522 over San Bernard River?

The structure is 334 ft (101.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns FM 522 over San Bernard River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.