US Bridges

CR 56 over Gc Wa Canal

Good

Brazoria County, Texas · 0.80 MI E of FM 521 · Structure no. 120200AA0502001

Built
1996
29 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
43 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 56 over Gc Wa Canal is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 56 over Gc Wa Canal in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1996 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 29 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2031. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 56
CrossesGc Wa Canal
Location0.80 MI E of FM 521
RouteCounty Highway 56
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.43911, -95.46241
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2011)
Projected traffic200 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 56 over Gc Wa Canal built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is CR 56 over Gc Wa Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does CR 56 over Gc Wa Canal carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is CR 56 over Gc Wa Canal?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns CR 56 over Gc Wa Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.