US Bridges

S Sheldon RD over Carpenters Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 1.00 MI S of Market ST · Structure no. 121020AA4826001

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
213 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,570
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

S Sheldon RD over Carpenters Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S Sheldon RD over Carpenters Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 5 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 5,570 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,798 by 2042. The structure is 213 ft (64.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesS Sheldon RD
CrossesCarpenters Bayou
Location1.00 MI S of Market ST
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.75727, -95.12399
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length213 ft (64.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,570 (2023)
Projected traffic7,798 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S Sheldon RD over Carpenters Bayou built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is S Sheldon RD over Carpenters 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does S Sheldon RD over Carpenters Bayou carry?

About 5,570 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S Sheldon RD over Carpenters Bayou?

The structure is 213 ft (64.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns S Sheldon RD over Carpenters Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.