US Bridges

FM 523 over UP RR & CR 171

Fair

Brazoria County, Texas · 1.20 MI SE of SH 35 · Structure no. 120200100301016

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,305 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
5,191
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 523 over UP RR & CR 171 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 523 over UP RR & CR 171 in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger 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 5,191 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,900 by 2033. The structure is 1,305 ft (397.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 523
CrossesUP RR & CR 171
Location1.20 MI SE of SH 35
RouteState Highway 523
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.18761, -95.38766
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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, precast panels
Main spans12
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,305 ft (397.8 m)
Longest span115 ft (35.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,191 (2020)
Projected traffic5,900 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 523 over UP RR & CR 171 built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 523 over UP RR & CR 171 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 2022.

How much traffic does FM 523 over UP RR & CR 171 carry?

About 5,191 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is FM 523 over UP RR & CR 171?

The structure is 1,305 ft (397.8 m) long with a longest span of 115 ft (35.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns FM 523 over UP RR & CR 171?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.