US Bridges

SH 90 over Whitney Branch

Fair

Grimes County, Texas · 6.45 MI NE of SH 6 · Structure no. 170940031503027

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,980
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 90 over Whitney Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 90 over Whitney Branch in Grimes County, Texas. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 98 years old, older 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 6,980 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,628 by 2039. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 90
CrossesWhitney Branch
Location6.45 MI NE of SH 6
RouteState Highway 90
CountyGrimes County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.46938, -96.01102
Functional classRural 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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,980 (2020)
Projected traffic9,628 by 2039
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 90 over Whitney Branch built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is SH 90 over Whitney Branch 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SH 90 over Whitney Branch carry?

About 6,980 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SH 90 over Whitney Branch?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 90 over Whitney Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.