US Bridges

Blue Ridge over Sims Bayou

FairPosted for load

Harris County, Texas · 0.05 MI S of W Orem · Structure no. 121020B08012930

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
93 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
500
2013 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Blue Ridge over Sims Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Blue Ridge over Sims Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1968, 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 500 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,000 by 2033. The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBlue Ridge
CrossesSims Bayou
Location0.05 MI S of W Orem
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.62604, -95.49295
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length93 ft (28.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2013)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Blue Ridge over Sims Bayou built?

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

What condition is Blue Ridge over Sims 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Blue Ridge over Sims Bayou carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Blue Ridge over Sims Bayou?

The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Blue Ridge over Sims Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.