US Bridges

IH 45 over Little White Oak Bayou

Good

Harris County, Texas · 1.00 MI S of IH 610 · Structure no. 121020050003094

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
98 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
179,357
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 over Little White Oak Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying IH 45 over Little White Oak Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 179,357 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 297,630 by 2033. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long.

CarriesIH 45
CrossesLittle White Oak Bayou
Location1.00 MI S of IH 610
RouteInterstate 45
StateTexas
Coordinates29.79917, -95.37179
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic179,357 (2020)
Projected traffic297,630 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure22
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 over Little White Oak Bayou built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 over Little White Oak Bayou in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does IH 45 over Little White Oak Bayou carry?

About 179,357 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 over Little White Oak Bayou?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns IH 45 over Little White Oak Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.