US Bridges

Ramp K over Buffalo Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · Intersection Ramp L · Structure no. 121020017711297

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Steel Continuous
Length
1,041 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
86,000
2010 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ramp K over Buffalo Bayou is a steel continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying Ramp K over Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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.

It carries about 86,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 121,000 by 2030. The structure is 1,041 ft (317.3 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRamp K
CrossesBuffalo Bayou
LocationIntersection Ramp L
RouteU.S. Route 59
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.76577, -95.34696
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,041 ft (317.3 m)
Longest span261 ft (79.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic86,000 (2010)
Projected traffic121,000 by 2030
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 Ramp K over Buffalo Bayou built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ramp K over Buffalo 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Ramp K over Buffalo Bayou carry?

About 86,000 vehicles per day (2010 count).

How long is Ramp K over Buffalo Bayou?

The structure is 1,041 ft (317.3 m) long with a longest span of 261 ft (79.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Ramp K over Buffalo Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.