US Bridges

FM 521 over Fort Bend County Ditch a

Fair

Fort Bend County, Texas · 1.15 MI S of FM 2234 · Structure no. 120800011103069

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
22,721
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 521 over Fort Bend County Ditch a is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying FM 521 over Fort Bend County Ditch a in Fort Bend County, Texas. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger 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 22,721 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,809 by 2042. The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 521
CrossesFort Bend County Ditch a
Location1.15 MI S of FM 2234
RouteState Highway 521
CountyFort Bend County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.56622, -95.43777
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.9 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,721 (2023)
Projected traffic31,809 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
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 FM 521 over Fort Bend County Ditch a built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 521 over Fort Bend County Ditch a 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 Fort Bend County Ditch a carry?

About 22,721 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is FM 521 over Fort Bend County Ditch a?

The structure is 52 ft (15.9 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns FM 521 over Fort Bend County Ditch a?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.