US Bridges

Beltway 8 over Houston Ship Channel

Fair

Harris County, Texas · Bltwy 8 @ Ship Channel · Structure no. 121020325603075

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Segmental Box Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
10,538 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
65,551
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

Beltway 8 over Houston Ship Channel is a prestressed concrete continuous segmental box girder carrying Beltway 8 over Houston Ship Channel in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 65,551 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 90,460 by 2042. The structure is 10,538 ft (3,212 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesBeltway 8
CrossesHouston Ship Channel
LocationBltwy 8 @ Ship Channel
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.7315, -95.14675
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 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 typeSegmental Box Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+92 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length10,538 ft (3,212 m)
Longest span750 ft (228.6 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.2 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic65,551 (2023)
Projected traffic90,460 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollToll bridge
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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Beltway 8 over Houston Ship Channel built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Beltway 8 over Houston Ship Channel 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Beltway 8 over Houston Ship Channel carry?

About 65,551 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Beltway 8 over Houston Ship Channel?

The structure is 10,538 ft (3,212 m) long with a longest span of 750 ft (228.6 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns Beltway 8 over Houston Ship Channel?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.