US Bridges

IH 45 NB FR over Brays Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.40 MI SE of US 90A · Structure no. 121020050003192

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
370 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,314
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 NB FR over Brays Bayou is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 NB FR over Brays Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 18,314 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,130 by 2033. The structure is 370 ft (112.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 45 NB FR
CrossesBrays Bayou
Location0.40 MI SE of US 90A
RouteState Highway 45
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.71226, -95.31037
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete 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 width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,314 (2023)
Projected traffic27,130 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$30,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 NB FR over Brays Bayou built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 NB FR 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 NB FR over Brays Bayou carry?

About 18,314 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 NB FR 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 43 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 NB FR over Brays Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.