US Bridges

IH 45 over Cullen Blvd

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 1.50 MI SE of US 59 · Structure no. 121020050003004

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
704 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
184,380
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 over Cullen Blvd is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 over Cullen Blvd in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 77 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 184,380 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 258,140 by 2033. The structure is 704 ft (214.6 m) long and 142 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45
CrossesCullen Blvd
Location1.50 MI SE of US 59
RouteInterstate 45
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.73184, -95.34239
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+10 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length704 ft (214.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width142 ft (43.3 m)
Roadway width135 ft (41.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic184,380 (2013)
Projected traffic258,140 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure9
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 over Cullen Blvd built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is IH 45 over Cullen Blvd 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does IH 45 over Cullen Blvd carry?

About 184,380 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 over Cullen Blvd?

The structure is 704 ft (214.6 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 142 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 over Cullen Blvd?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.