US Bridges

US 90A NB over Buffalo Bayou/ Zoltowski

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 1.6 MI S of IH 10 · Structure no. 121020002710062

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
910 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,995
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 90A NB over Buffalo Bayou/ Zoltowski is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 90A NB over Buffalo Bayou/ Zoltowski in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 69 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 15,995 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,010 by 2033. The structure is 910 ft (277.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 90A NB
CrossesBuffalo Bayou/ Zoltowski
Location1.6 MI S of IH 10
RouteU.S. Route 90
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.75345, -95.29665
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length910 ft (277.4 m)
Longest span270 ft (82.3 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,995 (2024)
Projected traffic18,010 by 2033
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$683,000
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 90A NB over Buffalo Bayou/ Zoltowski built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is US 90A NB over Buffalo Bayou/ Zoltowski 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 90A NB over Buffalo Bayou/ Zoltowski carry?

About 15,995 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 90A NB over Buffalo Bayou/ Zoltowski?

The structure is 910 ft (277.4 m) long with a longest span of 270 ft (82.3 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 90A NB over Buffalo Bayou/ Zoltowski?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.