US Bridges

CR 172 over Chocolate Bayou

Good

Brazoria County, Texas · 2.50 MI SW of CR 185 · Structure no. 120200AA0787003

Built
2011
14 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Other
Prestressed Concrete
Length
175 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
800
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 172 over Chocolate Bayou is a prestressed concrete other carrying CR 172 over Chocolate Bayou in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 2011, so it is 14 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 800 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,200 by 2031. The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 172
CrossesChocolate Bayou
Location2.50 MI SW of CR 185
RouteCounty Highway 172
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.34886, -95.30166
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHL 93
Structure length175 ft (53.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic800 (2011)
Projected traffic1,200 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 172 over Chocolate Bayou built?

It was built in 2011, making it 14 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 172 over Chocolate Bayou 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does CR 172 over Chocolate Bayou carry?

About 800 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is CR 172 over Chocolate Bayou?

The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns CR 172 over Chocolate Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.