US Bridges

Bear Bayou DR over Fresh Water Bayou

FairPosted for load

Harris County, Texas · 0.65 MI E of Sheldon RD · Structure no. 121020AA4812001

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
68 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,083
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bear Bayou DR over Fresh Water Bayou is a concrete continuous slab carrying Bear Bayou DR over Fresh Water Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,083 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,500 by 2028. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesBear Bayou DR
CrossesFresh Water Bayou
Location0.65 MI E of Sheldon RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.80161, -95.11311
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,083 (2016)
Projected traffic2,500 by 2028
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bear Bayou DR over Fresh Water Bayou built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bear Bayou DR over Fresh Water 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Bear Bayou DR over Fresh Water Bayou carry?

About 2,083 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Bear Bayou DR over Fresh Water Bayou?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Bear Bayou DR over Fresh Water Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.