US Bridges

BW8 EB to IH45 NB over IH 45 & Bw 8

Good

Harris County, Texas · 1.80 MI NW of FM 1959 · Structure no. 121020050003347

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
5,755 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
41,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

BW8 EB to IH45 NB over IH 45 & Bw 8 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying BW8 EB to IH45 NB over IH 45 & Bw 8 in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 41,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 51,250 by 2042. The structure is 5,755 ft (1,754.1 m) long and 31 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBW8 EB to IH45 NB
CrossesIH 45 & Bw 8
Location1.80 MI NW of FM 1959
RouteInterstate 8
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.60298, -95.20988
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+43 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length5,755 ft (1,754.1 m)
Longest span222 ft (67.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41,000 (2023)
Projected traffic51,250 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesFourth level (interchange)
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$403,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was BW8 EB to IH45 NB over IH 45 & Bw 8 built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is BW8 EB to IH45 NB over IH 45 & Bw 8 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does BW8 EB to IH45 NB over IH 45 & Bw 8 carry?

About 41,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is BW8 EB to IH45 NB over IH 45 & Bw 8?

The structure is 5,755 ft (1,754.1 m) long with a longest span of 222 ft (67.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns BW8 EB to IH45 NB over IH 45 & Bw 8?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.