US Bridges

SH 6 over Highland Bayou

Fair

Galveston County, Texas · 0.75 MI W of IH 45 · Structure no. 120850019204026

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
440 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
11,665
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 6 over Highland Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 6 over Highland Bayou in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 61 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 5 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 11,665 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,860 by 2033. The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long and 92 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 6
CrossesHighland Bayou
Location0.75 MI W of IH 45
RouteState Highway 6
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.33173, -94.94497
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadHS 20
Structure length440 ft (134.1 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width92 ft (28 m)
Roadway width88 ft (26.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,665 (2023)
Projected traffic11,860 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 6 over Highland Bayou built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is SH 6 over Highland 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SH 6 over Highland Bayou carry?

About 11,665 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 6 over Highland Bayou?

The structure is 440 ft (134.1 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 92 ft wide.

Who owns SH 6 over Highland Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.