US Bridges

FM 523 over Bastrop Bayou

Fair

Brazoria County, Texas · 0.6 MI SE of FM 2004 · Structure no. 120200100301020

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
240 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,051
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 523 over Bastrop Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 523 over Bastrop Bayou in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 6,051 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,310 by 2033. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 523
CrossesBastrop Bayou
Location0.6 MI SE of FM 2004
RouteState Highway 523
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.11298, -95.37466
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length240 ft (73.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,051 (2020)
Projected traffic7,310 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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 Bastrop Bayou built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 523 over Bastrop 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does FM 523 over Bastrop Bayou carry?

About 6,051 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 523 over Bastrop Bayou?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns FM 523 over Bastrop Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.