US Bridges

IH 45 NB FR over Sims Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 1.5 MI SE of IH 610 · Structure no. 121020050003293

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
360 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,078
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 NB FR over Sims Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 NB FR over Sims Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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 9,078 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,709 by 2042. The structure is 360 ft (109.7 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
CrossesSims Bayou
Location1.5 MI SE of IH 610
RouteState Highway 45
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.68068, -95.27236
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length360 ft (109.7 m)
Longest span117 ft (35.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,078 (2023)
Projected traffic12,709 by 2042
Trucks5%
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$31,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 NB FR over Sims Bayou built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

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

About 9,078 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 NB FR over Sims Bayou?

The structure is 360 ft (109.7 m) long with a longest span of 117 ft (35.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 NB FR over Sims Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.