US Bridges

IH 45 over Ward Gulley

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 1.70 MI N of IH 610 · Structure no. 121020050003166

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
244,789
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 over Ward Gulley is a concrete culvert carrying IH 45 over Ward Gulley in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 244,789 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 342,705 by 2041. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 400 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45
CrossesWard Gulley
Location1.70 MI N of IH 610
RouteInterstate 45
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.8367, -95.387
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width400 ft (121.9 m)
Roadway width184 ft (56.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic244,789 (2021)
Projected traffic342,705 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure13
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 over Ward Gulley built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 over Ward Gulley 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does IH 45 over Ward Gulley carry?

About 244,789 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 over Ward Gulley?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 400 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 over Ward Gulley?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.