US Bridges

FM 517 over Benson Bayou

Good

Galveston County, Texas · 1.20 MI NE of IH 45 · Structure no. 120850097801014

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
135 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,968
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 517 over Benson Bayou is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying FM 517 over Benson Bayou in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 18,968 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,320 by 2033. The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long and 78 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 517
CrossesBenson Bayou
Location1.20 MI NE of IH 45
RouteState Highway 517
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.45957, -95.06015
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length135 ft (41.1 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width78 ft (23.8 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,968 (2020)
Projected traffic24,320 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 517 over Benson Bayou built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 517 over Benson Bayou in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does FM 517 over Benson Bayou carry?

About 18,968 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 517 over Benson Bayou?

The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 78 ft wide.

Who owns FM 517 over Benson Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.