US Bridges

IH 45 SB FR over Sims Bayou

Good

Harris County, Texas · 1.5 MI SE of IH 610 · Structure no. 121020050003294

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
360 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,781
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 SB FR over Sims Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 SB 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 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 11,781 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,493 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 SB FR
CrossesSims Bayou
Location1.5 MI SE of IH 610
RouteState Highway 45
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.68028, -95.27291
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than 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 traffic11,781 (2023)
Projected traffic16,493 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 SB FR over Sims Bayou built?

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

What condition is IH 45 SB FR over Sims 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does IH 45 SB FR over Sims Bayou carry?

About 11,781 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 SB 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 SB FR over Sims Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.