US Bridges

SH 146 SB over Houston Ship Channel

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.6 MI N of SH 225 · Structure no. 121020038912090

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Suspension
Steel
Length
10,491 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
33,130
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 146 SB over Houston Ship Channel is a steel suspension carrying SH 146 SB over Houston Ship Channel in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 33,130 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,470 by 2033. The structure is 10,491 ft (3,197.7 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 146 SB
CrossesHouston Ship Channel
Location0.6 MI N of SH 225
RouteState Highway 146
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.71126, -95.00597
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
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum 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 typeSuspension
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+66 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length10,491 ft (3,197.7 m)
Longest span1,250 ft (381 m)
Deck width75 ft (23 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,130 (2019)
Projected traffic32,470 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 km)
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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 146 SB over Houston Ship Channel built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 146 SB over Houston Ship Channel 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SH 146 SB over Houston Ship Channel carry?

About 33,130 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 146 SB over Houston Ship Channel?

The structure is 10,491 ft (3,197.7 m) long with a longest span of 1,250 ft (381 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns SH 146 SB over Houston Ship Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.