US Bridges

W 18th ST over White Oak Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.10 MI E of Tc Jester · Structure no. 121020B00377207

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
196 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,000
2011 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

W 18th ST over White Oak Bayou is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying W 18th ST over White Oak Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 20,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,000 by 2031. The structure is 196 ft (59.7 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesW 18th ST
CrossesWhite Oak Bayou
Location0.10 MI E of Tc Jester
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.80163, -95.42659
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length196 ft (59.7 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,000 (2011)
Projected traffic20,000 by 2031
Trucks2%
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$21,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was W 18th ST over White Oak Bayou built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is W 18th ST over White Oak 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does W 18th ST over White Oak Bayou carry?

About 20,000 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is W 18th ST over White Oak Bayou?

The structure is 196 ft (59.7 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns W 18th ST over White Oak Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.