US Bridges

IH 45 NB Pierce El over US 59 RR & Misc

Fair

Harris County, Texas · SW of Downtown Houston · Structure no. 121020050003216

Built
1967
58 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
7,481 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
103,563
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 NB Pierce El over US 59 RR & Misc is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 NB Pierce El over US 59 RR & Misc in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1967 and reconstructed in 1996, 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 5 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 129,070 by 2033. The structure is 7,481 ft (2,280.2 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45 NB Pierce El
CrossesUS 59 RR & Misc
LocationSW of Downtown Houston
RouteInterstate 45
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.74945, -95.37121
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+102 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length7,481 ft (2,280.2 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic103,563 (2017)
Projected traffic129,070 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$898,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 NB Pierce El over US 59 RR & Misc built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is IH 45 NB Pierce El over US 59 RR & Misc 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 Pierce El over US 59 RR & Misc carry?

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

How long is IH 45 NB Pierce El over US 59 RR & Misc?

The structure is 7,481 ft (2,280.2 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 NB Pierce El over US 59 RR & Misc?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.