US Bridges

SH 124 over Intracoastal Canal

Fair

Galveston County, Texas · 3.50 MI N of SH 87 · Structure no. 120850036702023

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
4,299 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,937
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 124 over Intracoastal Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 124 over Intracoastal Canal in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 2,937 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,650 by 2033. The structure is 4,299 ft (1,310.3 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 75.2 mi (121 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 124
CrossesIntracoastal Canal
Location3.50 MI N of SH 87
RouteState Highway 124
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.59418, -94.38907
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+44 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length4,299 ft (1,310.3 m)
Longest span290 ft (88.4 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,937 (2023)
Projected traffic2,650 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed75.2 mi (121 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$5.2 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 124 over Intracoastal Canal built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 124 over Intracoastal 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 SH 124 over Intracoastal Canal carry?

About 2,937 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 124 over Intracoastal Canal?

The structure is 4,299 ft (1,310.3 m) long with a longest span of 290 ft (88.4 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 124 over Intracoastal Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.