US Bridges

University DR over Horsepen Bayou

Good

Harris County, Texas · 0.3 MI E of Bay Area Blvd · Structure no. 121020B22765638

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
242 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,420
2009 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

University DR over Horsepen Bayou is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying University DR over Horsepen Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 7,420 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,790 by 2028. The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUniversity DR
CrossesHorsepen Bayou
Location0.3 MI E of Bay Area Blvd
RouteCity Street 0
StateTexas
Coordinates29.57999, -95.10125
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length242 ft (73.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,420 (2009)
Projected traffic1,790 by 2028
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$16,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was University DR over Horsepen Bayou built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is University DR over Horsepen Bayou in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does University DR over Horsepen Bayou carry?

About 7,420 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is University DR over Horsepen Bayou?

The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns University DR over Horsepen Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.