US Bridges

IH 45 SB over FM 188

Fair

Galveston County, Texas · 1.55 MI W of SP 342 · Structure no. 120850050001124

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
200 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
27,010
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 SB over FM 188 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 SB over FM 188 in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 27,010 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,820 by 2033. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45 SB
CrossesFM 188
Location1.55 MI W of SP 342
RouteInterstate 45
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.28524, -94.86301
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Last inspectionAugust 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.1 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,010 (2013)
Projected traffic37,820 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 SB over FM 188 built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 SB over FM 188 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 2022.

How much traffic does IH 45 SB over FM 188 carry?

About 27,010 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 SB over FM 188?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 SB over FM 188?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.