US Bridges

Mlk Blvd SB over Brays Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.40 MI N of US 90A · Structure no. 121020B42669662

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
318 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,100
2013 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mlk Blvd SB over Brays Bayou is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Mlk Blvd SB over Brays Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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.

It carries about 5,100 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,100 by 2035. The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMlk Blvd SB
CrossesBrays Bayou
Location0.40 MI N of US 90A
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.71421, -95.33901
Functional classUrban Collector

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+6 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length318 ft (96.9 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,100 (2013)
Projected traffic6,100 by 2035
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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$19,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Mlk Blvd SB over Brays Bayou built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Mlk Blvd SB over Brays 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Mlk Blvd SB over Brays Bayou carry?

About 5,100 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Mlk Blvd SB over Brays Bayou?

The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Mlk Blvd SB over Brays Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.