US Bridges

Bluewater HWY over San Luis Pass

PoorPosted for load

Galveston County, Texas · San Luis Pass at CR 257 · Structure no. 120850AA0709001

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
7,016 ft
117 main spans
Daily traffic
1,453
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bluewater HWY over San Luis Pass is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bluewater HWY over San Luis Pass in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,453 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,300 by 2031. The structure is 7,016 ft (2,138.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesBluewater HWY
CrossesSan Luis Pass
LocationSan Luis Pass at CR 257
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.08115, -95.12309
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans117
Design loadHS 20
Structure length7,016 ft (2,138.5 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,453 (2024)
Projected traffic1,300 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$860,000
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Bluewater HWY over San Luis Pass built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bluewater HWY over San Luis Pass in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2023.

How much traffic does Bluewater HWY over San Luis Pass carry?

About 1,453 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is Bluewater HWY over San Luis Pass?

The structure is 7,016 ft (2,138.5 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Bluewater HWY over San Luis Pass?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.