US Bridges

Airport Blvd WB over Sims Bayou

Good

Harris County, Texas · 0.70 MI W of Cullen Blvd · Structure no. 121020B01921002

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
345 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,000
2011 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Airport Blvd WB over Sims Bayou is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Airport Blvd WB over Sims Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 10,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15,000 by 2031. The structure is 345 ft (105.2 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesAirport Blvd WB
CrossesSims Bayou
Location0.70 MI W of Cullen Blvd
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.64531, -95.36704
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to 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
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length345 ft (105.2 m)
Longest span126 ft (38.4 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,000 (2011)
Projected traffic15,000 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

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

Frequently asked questions

When was Airport Blvd WB over Sims Bayou built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is Airport Blvd WB over Sims Bayou 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Airport Blvd WB over Sims Bayou carry?

About 10,000 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Airport Blvd WB over Sims Bayou?

The structure is 345 ft (105.2 m) long with a longest span of 126 ft (38.4 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Airport Blvd WB over Sims Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.