US Bridges

Franklin ST over Buffalo Bayou

FairPosted for load

Harris County, Texas · 0.35 MI W of Main ST · Structure no. 121020B25401002

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
280 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
6,380
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Franklin ST over Buffalo Bayou is a concrete tee beam carrying Franklin ST over Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 6,380 vehicles a day, projected to reach 18,240 by 2035. The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long and 38 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFranklin ST
CrossesBuffalo Bayou
Location0.35 MI W of Main ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.76495, -95.36439
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadUnknown
Structure length280 ft (85.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,380 (2022)
Projected traffic18,240 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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$16,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Franklin ST over Buffalo Bayou built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

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 6,380 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Franklin ST over Buffalo Bayou?

The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Franklin ST over Buffalo Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.