US Bridges

El Camino Real over Cow Bayou & Canal

Good

Harris County, Texas · 0.1 MI E of Hercules · Structure no. 121020AA3265001

Built
2011
14 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
115 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,000
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

El Camino Real over Cow Bayou & Canal is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying El Camino Real over Cow Bayou & Canal in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 2011, so it is 14 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 6,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,000 by 2028. The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long and 77 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesEl Camino Real
CrossesCow Bayou & Canal
Location0.1 MI E of Hercules
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.55038, -95.11178
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal 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, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length115 ft (35.1 m)
Longest span115 ft (35.1 m)
Deck width77 ft (23.5 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,000 (2009)
Projected traffic7,000 by 2028
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$211,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was El Camino Real over Cow Bayou & Canal built?

It was built in 2011, making it 14 years old in 2025.

What condition is El Camino Real over Cow Bayou & Canal 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 2023.

How much traffic does El Camino Real over Cow Bayou & Canal carry?

About 6,000 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is El Camino Real over Cow Bayou & Canal?

The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long with a longest span of 115 ft (35.1 m) and a deck 77 ft wide.

Who owns El Camino Real over Cow Bayou & Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.