US Bridges

Bu 90 over Carpenters Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 1.25 MI E of Bw 8 · Structure no. 121020002801004

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
103 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,797
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 90 over Carpenters Bayou is a concrete slab carrying Bu 90 over Carpenters Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 95 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 7,797 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,916 by 2042. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBu 90
CrossesCarpenters Bayou
Location1.25 MI E of Bw 8
RouteState Highway 90
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.8516, -95.16607
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,797 (2022)
Projected traffic10,916 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$13,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bu 90 over Carpenters Bayou built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is Bu 90 over Carpenters 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Bu 90 over Carpenters Bayou carry?

About 7,797 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Bu 90 over Carpenters Bayou?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 90 over Carpenters Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.