US Bridges

SH 6 over Buffalo Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 1.10 MI S of IH 10 · Structure no. 121020168505015

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
152 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
75,329
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 6 over Buffalo Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 6 over Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 62 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 75,329 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 85,650 by 2033. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 114 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 6
CrossesBuffalo Bayou
Location1.10 MI S of IH 10
RouteState Highway 6
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.76943, -95.64336
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: 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
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width114 ft (34.7 m)
Roadway width106 ft (32.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75,329 (2024)
Projected traffic85,650 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 Buffalo Bayou built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is SH 6 over Buffalo 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SH 6 over Buffalo Bayou carry?

About 75,329 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 6 over Buffalo Bayou?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 114 ft wide.

Who owns SH 6 over Buffalo Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.