US Bridges

IH 45 SB over Brays Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.40 MI SE of US 90A · Structure no. 121020050003009

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
370 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
98,792
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 SB over Brays Bayou is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 SB over Brays Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 75 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 98,792 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 111,310 by 2033. The structure is 370 ft (112.8 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45 SB
CrossesBrays Bayou
Location0.40 MI SE of US 90A
RouteInterstate 45
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.71209, -95.31091
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length370 ft (112.8 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.5 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic98,792 (2017)
Projected traffic111,310 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$55,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 SB over Brays Bayou built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is IH 45 SB over Brays 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does IH 45 SB over Brays Bayou carry?

About 98,792 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 SB over Brays Bayou?

The structure is 370 ft (112.8 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 SB over Brays Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.