US Bridges

CR 42 over Oyster Creek

Fair

Brazoria County, Texas · 3.00 MI W of FM 521 · Structure no. 120200AA0123001

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
257 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
70
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 42 over Oyster Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 42 over Oyster Creek in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 70 vehicles a day, projected to reach 150 by 2031. The structure is 257 ft (78.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 42
CrossesOyster Creek
Location3.00 MI W of FM 521
RouteCounty Highway 42
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.37459, -95.52746
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length257 ft (78.3 m)
Longest span43 ft (13 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70 (2011)
Projected traffic150 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 CR 42 over Oyster Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 42 over Oyster Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does CR 42 over Oyster Creek carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is CR 42 over Oyster Creek?

The structure is 257 ft (78.3 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns CR 42 over Oyster Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.