US Bridges

Chimney Rock over Buffalo Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.65 MI N of Woodway · Structure no. 121020B14401026

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
302 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20,804
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chimney Rock over Buffalo Bayou is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Chimney Rock over Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 20,804 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,558 by 2042. The structure is 302 ft (92.1 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChimney Rock
CrossesBuffalo Bayou
Location0.65 MI N of Woodway
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.77338, -95.47969
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length302 ft (92.1 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.1 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,804 (2021)
Projected traffic32,558 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$36,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Chimney Rock over Buffalo Bayou built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Chimney Rock 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Chimney Rock over Buffalo Bayou carry?

About 20,804 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Chimney Rock over Buffalo Bayou?

The structure is 302 ft (92.1 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns Chimney Rock over Buffalo Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.