US Bridges

CR 171 over Chocolate Bayou

FairPosted for load

Brazoria County, Texas · 0.90 MI NE of CR 203 · Structure no. 120200AA2007001

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
142 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,200
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 171 over Chocolate Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 171 over Chocolate Bayou in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,500 by 2031. The structure is 142 ft (43.3 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 171
CrossesChocolate Bayou
Location0.90 MI NE of CR 203
RouteCounty Highway 171
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.30247, -95.26677
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length142 ft (43.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2011)
Projected traffic2,500 by 2031
Trucks2%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$137,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 171 over Chocolate Bayou built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 171 over Chocolate 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 2023.

How much traffic does CR 171 over Chocolate Bayou carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is CR 171 over Chocolate Bayou?

The structure is 142 ft (43.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns CR 171 over Chocolate Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.