US Bridges

FM 517 over Dickinson Bayou

Fair

Galveston County, Texas · 3.60 MI NE of SH 35 · Structure no. 120850100202001

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
100 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
13,597
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 517 over Dickinson Bayou is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM 517 over Dickinson Bayou in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 77 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 13,597 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,036 by 2042. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 517
CrossesDickinson Bayou
Location3.60 MI NE of SH 35
RouteState Highway 517
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.43603, -95.17005
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.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,597 (2023)
Projected traffic19,036 by 2042
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 517 over Dickinson Bayou built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is FM 517 over Dickinson Bayou 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 2024.

How much traffic does FM 517 over Dickinson Bayou carry?

About 13,597 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is FM 517 over Dickinson Bayou?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns FM 517 over Dickinson Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.