US Bridges

SH 550 (fm 511) over Los Fresnos Main Canal

Good

Cameron County, Texas · 0.15 MI E of US 77 · Structure no. 210310068401262

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
18,697
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 550 (fm 511) over Los Fresnos Main Canal is a concrete culvert carrying SH 550 (fm 511) over Los Fresnos Main Canal in Cameron County, Texas. It was built in 2009, so it is 16 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 18,697 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,176 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 550 (fm 511)
CrossesLos Fresnos Main Canal
Location0.15 MI E of US 77
RouteState Highway 550
CountyCameron County
StateTexas
Coordinates26.02843, -97.53082
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum 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 typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,697 (2023)
Projected traffic26,176 by 2042
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 SH 550 (fm 511) over Los Fresnos Main Canal built?

It was built in 2009, making it 16 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 550 (fm 511) over Los Fresnos Main 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SH 550 (fm 511) over Los Fresnos Main Canal carry?

About 18,697 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SH 550 (fm 511) over Los Fresnos Main Canal?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 550 (fm 511) over Los Fresnos Main Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.