US Bridges

SH 61 over Whites Bayou

Fair

Chambers County, Texas · 0.1 MI N of FM 2041 · Structure no. 200360024203012

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
121 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,876
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 61 over Whites Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 61 over Whites Bayou in Chambers County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 3,876 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,230 by 2033. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 61
CrossesWhites Bayou
Location0.1 MI N of FM 2041
RouteState Highway 61
CountyChambers County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.81745, -94.6462
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,876 (2022)
Projected traffic3,230 by 2033
Trucks7%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 61 over Whites Bayou built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 61 over Whites 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 61 over Whites Bayou carry?

About 3,876 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 61 over Whites Bayou?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 61 over Whites Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.