US Bridges

FM 518 over Landing Ditch

Fair

Galveston County, Texas · 0.65 MI W of IH 45 · Structure no. 120850097603036

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
98 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
31,164
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 518 over Landing Ditch is a prestressed concrete slab carrying FM 518 over Landing Ditch in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 31,164 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,730 by 2033. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 518
CrossesLanding Ditch
Location0.65 MI W of IH 45
RouteState Highway 518
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.50078, -95.12422
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.
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
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.7 m)
Roadway width65 ft (19.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31,164 (2023)
Projected traffic40,730 by 2033
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 FM 518 over Landing Ditch built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 518 over Landing Ditch 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 FM 518 over Landing Ditch carry?

About 31,164 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is FM 518 over Landing Ditch?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns FM 518 over Landing Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.