US Bridges

FM 523 over Dow Waste Water Canal

Fair

Brazoria County, Texas · 1.10 MI S of SH 332 · Structure no. 120200100301013

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
160 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
11,980
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 523 over Dow Waste Water Canal is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 523 over Dow Waste Water Canal in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 60 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 11,980 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,770 by 2033. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 523
CrossesDow Waste Water Canal
Location1.10 MI S of SH 332
RouteState Highway 523
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.96936, -95.34877
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,980 (2013)
Projected traffic16,770 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$368,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 523 over Dow Waste Water Canal built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is FM 523 over Dow Waste Water Canal 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 523 over Dow Waste Water Canal carry?

About 11,980 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 523 over Dow Waste Water Canal?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns FM 523 over Dow Waste Water Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.