US Bridges

FM 523 over Brushy Bayou

Fair

Brazoria County, Texas · 1.70 MI SE of SH 35 · Structure no. 120200100301017

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
124 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,191
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 523 over Brushy Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 523 over Brushy Bayou 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 124 ft (37.8 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 523
CrossesBrushy Bayou
Location1.70 MI SE of SH 35
RouteState Highway 523
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.18042, -95.38774
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
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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
Design loadHS 20
Structure length124 ft (37.8 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.4 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.4 m)
Roadway width57 ft (17.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,191 (2020)
Projected traffic5,900 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 523 over Brushy Bayou built?

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

What condition is FM 523 over Brushy 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 FM 523 over Brushy Bayou carry?

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

How long is FM 523 over Brushy Bayou?

The structure is 124 ft (37.8 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.4 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns FM 523 over Brushy Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.