US Bridges

Spencer HWY over Willow Spring Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.3 MI E of Luella · Structure no. 121020AA0593002

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
45,486
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Spencer HWY over Willow Spring Bayou is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Spencer HWY over Willow Spring Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 45,486 vehicles a day, projected to reach 29,000 by 2030. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 96 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesSpencer HWY
CrossesWillow Spring Bayou
Location0.3 MI E of Luella
RouteCounty Highway 20
StateTexas
Coordinates29.66399, -95.10584
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width96 ft (29.3 m)
Roadway width82 ft (25.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45,486 (2013)
Projected traffic29,000 by 2030
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$123,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Spencer HWY over Willow Spring Bayou built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is Spencer HWY over Willow Spring 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Spencer HWY over Willow Spring Bayou carry?

About 45,486 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Spencer HWY over Willow Spring Bayou?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 96 ft wide.

Who owns Spencer HWY over Willow Spring Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.