US Bridges

SH 65 over Elm Bayou

Fair

Chambers County, Texas · 0.1 MI E of FM 1410 · Structure no. 200360036801034

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1950
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,651
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 65 over Elm Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying SH 65 over Elm Bayou in Chambers County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1950, so it is 95 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 1,651 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,860 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 65
CrossesElm Bayou
Location0.1 MI E of FM 1410
RouteState Highway 65
CountyChambers County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.79128, -94.47156
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span3 ft (0.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,651 (2022)
Projected traffic1,860 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 65 over Elm Bayou built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1950.

What condition is SH 65 over Elm 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 65 over Elm Bayou carry?

About 1,651 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 65 over Elm Bayou?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 3 ft (0.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SH 65 over Elm Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.