US Bridges

BW8 WB FR over SH 3 & UP RR

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 1.10 MI NE of IH 45 · Structure no. 121020005102081

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
935 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
32,378
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

BW8 WB FR over SH 3 & UP RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying BW8 WB FR over SH 3 & UP RR in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 5 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 32,378 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,329 by 2042. The structure is 935 ft (285 m) long and 54 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBW8 WB FR
CrossesSH 3 & UP RR
Location1.10 MI NE of IH 45
RouteState Highway 8
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.61672, -95.1918
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length935 ft (285 m)
Longest span119 ft (36.3 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,378 (2023)
Projected traffic45,329 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was BW8 WB FR over SH 3 & UP RR built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is BW8 WB FR over SH 3 & UP RR 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does BW8 WB FR over SH 3 & UP RR carry?

About 32,378 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is BW8 WB FR over SH 3 & UP RR?

The structure is 935 ft (285 m) long with a longest span of 119 ft (36.3 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns BW8 WB FR over SH 3 & UP RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.