US Bridges

Bw 8 SB Exit Rp D over Buffalo Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 1.8 MI N of Westheimer RD · Structure no. 121020325601140

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
534 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,946
2024 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

Bw 8 SB Exit Rp D over Buffalo Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bw 8 SB Exit Rp D over Buffalo Bayou 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 5,946 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 68,242 by 2035. The structure is 534 ft (162.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesBw 8 SB Exit Rp D
CrossesBuffalo Bayou
Location1.8 MI N of Westheimer RD
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.76278, -95.55875
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 spans4 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length534 ft (162.8 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,946 (2024)
Projected traffic68,242 by 2035
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Exit Rp D over Buffalo Bayou built?

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

What condition is Bw 8 SB Exit Rp D 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Bw 8 SB Exit Rp D over Buffalo Bayou carry?

About 5,946 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Bw 8 SB Exit Rp D over Buffalo Bayou?

The structure is 534 ft (162.8 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Bw 8 SB Exit Rp D over Buffalo Bayou?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.