US Bridges

Galveston RD over Old Sims Bayou

FairPosted for load

Harris County, Texas · 1.35 MI SE of IH610 · Structure no. 121020B26105004

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
176 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,270
2013 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Galveston RD over Old Sims Bayou is a concrete tee beam carrying Galveston RD over Old Sims Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 80 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 9,270 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15,000 by 2035. The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesGalveston RD
CrossesOld Sims Bayou
Location1.35 MI SE of IH610
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.68952, -95.25944
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
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 inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to 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 spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length176 ft (53.6 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,270 (2013)
Projected traffic15,000 by 2035
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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$20,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Galveston RD over Old Sims Bayou built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is Galveston RD over Old Sims 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Galveston RD over Old Sims Bayou carry?

About 9,270 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is Galveston RD over Old Sims Bayou?

The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns Galveston RD over Old Sims Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.