US Bridges

BW8 EB to IH45 SB over IH 45 Sbfr & Bw 8 Ebfr

Fair

Harris County, Texas · Jct. of IH45 & BW8 · Structure no. 121020050003352

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,443 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
41,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

BW8 EB to IH45 SB over IH 45 Sbfr & Bw 8 Ebfr is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying BW8 EB to IH45 SB over IH 45 Sbfr & Bw 8 Ebfr in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 41,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 51,250 by 2042. The structure is 1,443 ft (439.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesBW8 EB to IH45 SB
CrossesIH 45 Sbfr & Bw 8 Ebfr
LocationJct. of IH45 & BW8
RouteInterstate 45
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.60477, -95.20548
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating38 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,443 ft (439.8 m)
Longest span220 ft (67.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 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
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
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$94,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was BW8 EB to IH45 SB over IH 45 Sbfr & Bw 8 Ebfr built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

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

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

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

How long is BW8 EB to IH45 SB over IH 45 Sbfr & Bw 8 Ebfr?

The structure is 1,443 ft (439.8 m) long with a longest span of 220 ft (67.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns BW8 EB to IH45 SB over IH 45 Sbfr & Bw 8 Ebfr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.