US Bridges

Independence Pky S over Houston Ship Channel

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 2.40 MI SW of I-10 · Structure no. 121020AA9962004

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,903
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Independence Pky S over Houston Ship Channel is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Independence Pky S over Houston Ship Channel in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 95 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 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 1,903 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,664 by 2042. The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesIndependence Pky S
CrossesHouston Ship Channel
Location2.40 MI SW of I-10
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.76208, -95.08049
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (11.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,903 (2023)
Projected traffic2,664 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Independence Pky S over Houston Ship Channel built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is Independence Pky S over Houston Ship Channel 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 2024.

How much traffic does Independence Pky S over Houston Ship Channel carry?

About 1,903 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Independence Pky S over Houston Ship Channel?

The structure is 36 ft (11.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Independence Pky S over Houston Ship Channel?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.