US Bridges

SH 225 EB over Sims Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.6 MI E of IH 610 · Structure no. 121020050201020

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
476 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
62,085
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 225 EB over Sims Bayou is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 225 EB over Sims Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older 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 5 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 62,085 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 86,919 by 2042. The structure is 476 ft (145.1 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 225 EB
CrossesSims Bayou
Location0.6 MI E of IH 610
RouteState Highway 225
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.70761, -95.25676
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length476 ft (145.1 m)
Longest span121 ft (36.9 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.2 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic62,085 (2023)
Projected traffic86,919 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 225 EB over Sims Bayou built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 225 EB 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SH 225 EB over Sims Bayou carry?

About 62,085 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 225 EB over Sims Bayou?

The structure is 476 ft (145.1 m) long with a longest span of 121 ft (36.9 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns SH 225 EB over Sims Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.