US Bridges

IH 45 NB over Buffalo Byu/Allen Pkwy

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.10 MI N of Dallas ST · Structure no. 121020050003069

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
774 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
103,563
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 NB over Buffalo Byu/Allen Pkwy is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 NB over Buffalo Byu/Allen Pkwy in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 103,563 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 151,100 by 2033. The structure is 774 ft (235.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45 NB
CrossesBuffalo Byu/Allen Pkwy
Location0.10 MI N of Dallas ST
RouteInterstate 45
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.7601, -95.37372
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
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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+7 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length774 ft (235.9 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic103,563 (2017)
Projected traffic151,100 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$78,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 NB over Buffalo Byu/Allen Pkwy built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 NB over Buffalo Byu/Allen Pkwy 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 NB over Buffalo Byu/Allen Pkwy carry?

About 103,563 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 NB over Buffalo Byu/Allen Pkwy?

The structure is 774 ft (235.9 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 NB over Buffalo Byu/Allen Pkwy?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.