US Bridges

FM 521 over Irrigation Canal

Fair

Fort Bend County, Texas · 4.0 MI S of SH 6 · Structure no. 120800011103028

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
80 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,162
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 521 over Irrigation Canal is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM 521 over Irrigation Canal in Fort Bend County, Texas. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 10,162 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,901 by 2042. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 521
CrossesIrrigation Canal
Location4.0 MI S of SH 6
RouteState Highway 521
CountyFort Bend County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.4516, -95.47554
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,162 (2023)
Projected traffic18,901 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 FM 521 over Irrigation Canal built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 521 over Irrigation Canal 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM 521 over Irrigation Canal carry?

About 10,162 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 521 over Irrigation Canal?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns FM 521 over Irrigation Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.