US Bridges

Bay Area Blvd WB over Horsepen Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.8 MI NE of Space Center · Structure no. 121020B06029004

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Other
Prestressed Concrete
Length
172 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
10,260
2009 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bay Area Blvd WB over Horsepen Bayou is a prestressed concrete other carrying Bay Area Blvd WB over Horsepen Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 57 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 10,260 vehicles a day, projected to reach 46,200 by 2028. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBay Area Blvd WB
CrossesHorsepen Bayou
Location0.8 MI NE of Space Center
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.58341, -95.1035
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 typeOther
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,260 (2009)
Projected traffic46,200 by 2028
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$10,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bay Area Blvd WB over Horsepen Bayou built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is Bay Area Blvd WB over Horsepen 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 Bay Area Blvd WB over Horsepen Bayou carry?

About 10,260 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is Bay Area Blvd WB over Horsepen Bayou?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Bay Area Blvd WB over Horsepen Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.