US Bridges

Bw 8 SB over Buffalo Bayou & Bw 8 FR

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 1.6 MI S of IH 10 · Structure no. 121020325601126

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,035 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
166,838
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

Bw 8 SB over Buffalo Bayou & Bw 8 FR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bw 8 SB over Buffalo Bayou & Bw 8 FR in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 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 166,838 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 233,573 by 2042. The structure is 1,035 ft (315.5 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBw 8 SB
CrossesBuffalo Bayou & Bw 8 FR
Location1.6 MI S of IH 10
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.76151, -95.55811
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,035 ft (315.5 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.6 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic166,838 (2023)
Projected traffic233,573 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bw 8 SB over Buffalo Bayou & Bw 8 FR built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bw 8 SB over Buffalo Bayou & Bw 8 FR 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 Bw 8 SB over Buffalo Bayou & Bw 8 FR carry?

About 166,838 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Bw 8 SB over Buffalo Bayou & Bw 8 FR?

The structure is 1,035 ft (315.5 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns Bw 8 SB over Buffalo Bayou & Bw 8 FR?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.