US Bridges

FM 270 over Hl & P Discharge Canal

Fair

Galveston County, Texas · 0.85 MI NW of FM 518 · Structure no. 120850331202002

Built
1981
44 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
30,155
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 270 over Hl & P Discharge Canal is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 270 over Hl & P Discharge Canal in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1981 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 44 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 30,155 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,230 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 92 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 270
CrossesHl & P Discharge Canal
Location0.85 MI NW of FM 518
RouteState Highway 270
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.52833, -95.08942
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width92 ft (27.9 m)
Roadway width89 ft (27 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,155 (2020)
Projected traffic40,230 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 270 over Hl & P Discharge Canal built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is FM 270 over Hl & P Discharge Canal 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 270 over Hl & P Discharge Canal carry?

About 30,155 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is FM 270 over Hl & P Discharge Canal?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 92 ft wide.

Who owns FM 270 over Hl & P Discharge Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.