US Bridges

Bw 8 over Sims Bayou

Good

Harris County, Texas · 0.3 MI SE of US 90A · Structure no. 121020325604321

Built
2001
24 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
113,757
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

Bw 8 over Sims Bayou is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Bw 8 over Sims Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 2001 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 24 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 113,757 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 159,260 by 2042. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 140 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBw 8
CrossesSims Bayou
Location0.3 MI SE of US 90A
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.62332, -95.51396
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width140 ft (42.7 m)
Roadway width138 ft (42.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic113,757 (2023)
Projected traffic159,260 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 over Sims Bayou built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is Bw 8 over Sims Bayou in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Bw 8 over Sims Bayou carry?

About 113,757 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Bw 8 over Sims Bayou?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 140 ft wide.

Who owns Bw 8 over Sims Bayou?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.