US Bridges

Sunset DR over Benson Bayou

FairPosted for load

Galveston County, Texas · 0.2 MI SW of Timber · Structure no. 120850F00850023

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
66 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
270
2011 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sunset DR over Benson Bayou is a concrete continuous slab carrying Sunset DR over Benson Bayou in Galveston County, Texas. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 270 vehicles a day, projected to reach 270 by 2031. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSunset DR
CrossesBenson Bayou
Location0.2 MI SW of Timber
RouteCity Street 0
CountyGalveston County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.46709, -95.06796
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic270 (2011)
Projected traffic270 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$51,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sunset DR over Benson Bayou built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sunset DR over Benson 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Sunset DR over Benson Bayou carry?

About 270 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Sunset DR over Benson Bayou?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Sunset DR over Benson Bayou?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.