US Bridges

Seawolf Pkwy over Pelican Island Chan

PoorPosted for load

Galveston County, Texas · 1.20 MI N of Broadway Ave · Structure no. 120850B00790001

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
3,239 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,100
2011 count
Owner
Local
Other Local Agency

About this bridge

Seawolf Pkwy over Pelican Island Chan is a steel movable - bascule carrying Seawolf Pkwy over Pelican Island Chan in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 9,100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10,100 by 2031. The structure is 3,239 ft (987.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSeawolf Pkwy
CrossesPelican Island Chan
Location1.20 MI N of Broadway Ave
RouteCity Street 0
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.3101, -94.82383
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+51 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length3,239 ft (987.2 m)
Longest span164 ft (50 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,100 (2011)
Projected traffic10,100 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther Local Agency
Maintained byOther Local Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$6.2 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Seawolf Pkwy over Pelican Island Chan built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Seawolf Pkwy over Pelican Island Chan 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Seawolf Pkwy over Pelican Island Chan carry?

About 9,100 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Seawolf Pkwy over Pelican Island Chan?

The structure is 3,239 ft (987.2 m) long with a longest span of 164 ft (50 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Seawolf Pkwy over Pelican Island Chan?

It is owned by the Other Local Agency.