US Bridges

IH 45 NB & Hov over Sims Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 1.5 MI SE of IH 610 · Structure no. 121020050003296

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
360 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
127,295
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 NB & Hov over Sims Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 NB & Hov over Sims Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 127,295 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 178,213 by 2042. The structure is 360 ft (109.7 m) long and 96 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 45 NB & Hov
CrossesSims Bayou
Location1.5 MI SE of IH 610
RouteInterstate 45
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.68056, -95.27252
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 width96 ft (29.4 m)
Roadway width92 ft (28 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic127,295 (2023)
Projected traffic178,213 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 NB & Hov over Sims Bayou built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 NB & Hov 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 & Hov over Sims Bayou carry?

About 127,295 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 NB & Hov 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 96 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 NB & Hov over Sims Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.