US Bridges

Franklin ST over Buffalo Bayou

FairPosted for load

Harris County, Texas · 0.30 MI W of Main ST · Structure no. 121020B25401001

Built
1914
111 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
350 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
14,649
2015 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Franklin ST over Buffalo Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Franklin ST over Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1914 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 111 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 6 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 14,649 vehicles a day, projected to reach 18,240 by 2035. The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long and 80 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesFranklin ST
CrossesBuffalo Bayou
Location0.30 MI W of Main ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.76456, -95.3627
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 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
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+3 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length350 ft (106.7 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.1 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,649 (2015)
Projected traffic18,240 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$49,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Franklin ST over Buffalo Bayou built?

It was built in 1914, making it 111 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is Franklin ST 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 Franklin ST over Buffalo Bayou carry?

About 14,649 vehicles per day (2015 count).

How long is Franklin ST over Buffalo Bayou?

The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.1 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns Franklin ST over Buffalo Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.