US Bridges

Bwy 8 Efr over Buffalo Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 1.8 MI N of Westheimer RD · Structure no. 121020325601064

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
250 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
30,601
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bwy 8 Efr over Buffalo Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bwy 8 Efr over Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 57 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 30,601 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,090 by 2033. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesBwy 8 Efr
CrossesBuffalo Bayou
Location1.8 MI N of Westheimer RD
RouteState Highway 8
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.76255, -95.55777
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum 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, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.6 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,601 (2020)
Projected traffic37,090 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Bwy 8 Efr over Buffalo Bayou built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is Bwy 8 Efr 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 Bwy 8 Efr over Buffalo Bayou carry?

About 30,601 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Bwy 8 Efr over Buffalo Bayou?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns Bwy 8 Efr over Buffalo Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.