US Bridges

Briar Forest DR WB over Buffalo Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.45 MI E of S Gessner · Structure no. 121020B09761001

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
240 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
37,170
2013 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Briar Forest DR WB over Buffalo Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Briar Forest DR WB over Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 37,170 vehicles a day, projected to reach 48,590 by 2033. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBriar Forest DR WB
CrossesBuffalo Bayou
Location0.45 MI E of S Gessner
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.74724, -95.53128
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length240 ft (73.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic37,170 (2013)
Projected traffic48,590 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$15,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Briar Forest DR WB over Buffalo Bayou built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Briar Forest DR WB over Buffalo 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 Briar Forest DR WB over Buffalo Bayou carry?

About 37,170 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Briar Forest DR WB over Buffalo Bayou?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Briar Forest DR WB over Buffalo Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.