Congress Ave over Buffalo Bayou
FairPosted for loadHarris County, Texas · Between Franklin & Smith · Structure no. 121020B15953001
- Built
- 1925
- 100 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected October 2023
- Type
- Tee Beam
- Concrete Continuous
- Length
- 282 ft
- 7 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 8,650
- 2015 count
- Owner
- City
- City or Municipal Highway Agency
About this bridge
Congress Ave over Buffalo Bayou is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Congress Ave over Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1925, so it is 100 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 8,650 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,400 by 2035. The structure is 282 ft (86 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Congress Ave over Buffalo Bayou built?
It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025.
What condition is Congress Ave 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 October 2023.
How much traffic does Congress Ave over Buffalo Bayou carry?
About 8,650 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.
How long is Congress Ave over Buffalo Bayou?
The structure is 282 ft (86 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.
Who owns Congress Ave over Buffalo Bayou?
It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.