US Bridges

SH 249 over Burlington Northern RR

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.80 MI NW of Bw 8 · Structure no. 121020072003054

Built
1993
32 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,397 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
126,858
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 249 over Burlington Northern RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 249 over Burlington Northern RR in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1993 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 32 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 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 126,858 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 177,601 by 2042. The structure is 1,397 ft (425.8 m) long and 145 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 249
CrossesBurlington Northern RR
Location0.80 MI NW of Bw 8
RouteState Highway 249
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.94455, -95.52609
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 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 geometry9: 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, precast panels
Main spans12 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,397 ft (425.8 m)
Longest span117 ft (35.7 m)
Deck width145 ft (44.1 m)
Roadway width142 ft (43.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic126,858 (2023)
Projected traffic177,601 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 249 over Burlington Northern RR built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is SH 249 over Burlington Northern RR 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SH 249 over Burlington Northern RR carry?

About 126,858 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 249 over Burlington Northern RR?

The structure is 1,397 ft (425.8 m) long with a longest span of 117 ft (35.7 m) and a deck 145 ft wide.

Who owns SH 249 over Burlington Northern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.