US Bridges

IH 45 NB over Galveston Bay

Fair

Galveston County, Texas · 3.70 MI SE of SH 6 · Structure no. 120850050001373

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Segmental Box Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
8,592 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
34,360
2010 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 NB over Galveston Bay is a prestressed concrete continuous segmental box girder carrying IH 45 NB over Galveston Bay in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 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 34,360 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 48,100 by 2030. The structure is 8,592 ft (2,618.8 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45 NB
CrossesGalveston Bay
Location3.70 MI SE of SH 6
RouteInterstate 45
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.29736, -94.88931
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSegmental Box Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+59 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length8,592 ft (2,618.8 m)
Longest span350 ft (106.7 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.6 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,360 (2010)
Projected traffic48,100 by 2030
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 NB over Galveston Bay built?

It was built in 2006, making it 19 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 NB over Galveston Bay 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 IH 45 NB over Galveston Bay carry?

About 34,360 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 NB over Galveston Bay?

The structure is 8,592 ft (2,618.8 m) long with a longest span of 350 ft (106.7 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 NB over Galveston Bay?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.