US Bridges

SH 3 over Dickinson Bayou

Fair

Galveston County, Texas · 0.40 MI SE of FM 517 · Structure no. 120850005103044

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
420 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
15,959
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 3 over Dickinson Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 3 over Dickinson Bayou in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 15,959 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,590 by 2033. The structure is 420 ft (128 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 3
CrossesDickinson Bayou
Location0.40 MI SE of FM 517
RouteState Highway 3
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.45671, -95.04681
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length420 ft (128 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width75 ft (23 m)
Roadway width62 ft (18.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,959 (2016)
Projected traffic17,590 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 SH 3 over Dickinson Bayou built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 3 over Dickinson 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SH 3 over Dickinson Bayou carry?

About 15,959 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SH 3 over Dickinson Bayou?

The structure is 420 ft (128 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns SH 3 over Dickinson Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.