US Bridges

SH 6 over Bear Creek

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 2.75 MI N of IH 10 · Structure no. 121020168505008

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50,211
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 6 over Bear Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 6 over Bear Creek in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 66 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 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 50,211 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 81,600 by 2033. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 106 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 6
CrossesBear Creek
Location2.75 MI N of IH 10
RouteState Highway 6
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.82465, -95.64558
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width106 ft (32.3 m)
Roadway width92 ft (28 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50,211 (2016)
Projected traffic81,600 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 6 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is SH 6 over Bear Creek 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 SH 6 over Bear Creek carry?

About 50,211 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 6 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 106 ft wide.

Who owns SH 6 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.