US Bridges

California Ave over Gum Bayou

GoodPosted for load

Galveston County, Texas · 0.75 MI N of FM 517 · Structure no. 120850F00170001

Built
1986
39 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
42 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
500
2011 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

California Ave over Gum Bayou is a steel culvert carrying California Ave over Gum Bayou in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1986 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 39 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 500 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,000 by 2031. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCalifornia Ave
CrossesGum Bayou
Location0.75 MI N of FM 517
RouteCity Street 0
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.47461, -95.03752
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2011)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township 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 California Ave over Gum Bayou built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is California Ave over Gum 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does California Ave over Gum Bayou carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is California Ave over Gum Bayou?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns California Ave over Gum Bayou?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.