US Bridges

IH 45 SB Frontage over Brays Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.40 MI SE of US 90A · Structure no. 121020050003086

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1977
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
370 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,292
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 SB Frontage over Brays Bayou is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 SB Frontage over Brays Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1977, so it is 67 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 22,292 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,180 by 2033. The structure is 370 ft (112.8 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45 SB Frontage
CrossesBrays Bayou
Location0.40 MI SE of US 90A
RouteState Highway 45
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.71188, -95.31105
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length370 ft (112.8 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,292 (2023)
Projected traffic34,180 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$30,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 SB Frontage over Brays Bayou built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1977.

What condition is IH 45 SB Frontage 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 September 2024.

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

About 22,292 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 SB Frontage 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 40 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 SB Frontage over Brays Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.