US Bridges

Old SH 48 over Union Carbide Channel

Fair

Cameron County, Texas · 2.70 MI NE of FM 511 · Structure no. 210310AN8139005

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
151 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
500
2010 count
Owner
Local
Other Local Agency

About this bridge

Old SH 48 over Union Carbide Channel is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Old SH 48 over Union Carbide Channel in Cameron County, Texas. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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.

It carries about 500 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2030. The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld SH 48
CrossesUnion Carbide Channel
Location2.70 MI NE of FM 511
RouteState Highway 48
CountyCameron County
StateTexas
Coordinates25.96417, -97.37513
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length151 ft (46 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.8 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2010)
Projected traffic800 by 2030
Trucks3%
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

OwnerOther Local Agency
Maintained byOther Local 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 Old SH 48 over Union Carbide Channel built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old SH 48 over Union Carbide Channel 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Old SH 48 over Union Carbide Channel carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Old SH 48 over Union Carbide Channel?

The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.8 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Old SH 48 over Union Carbide Channel?

It is owned by the Other Local Agency.