US Bridges

Memorial DR over Buffalo Bayou

FairPosted for load

Harris County, Texas · 0.45 MI E of Studemont · Structure no. 121020B44185013

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
977 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
36,900
2011 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Memorial DR over Buffalo Bayou is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Memorial DR over Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 36,900 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50,000 by 2031. The structure is 977 ft (297.8 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesMemorial DR
CrossesBuffalo Bayou
Location0.45 MI E of Studemont
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.76206, -95.38719
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 inspectionNovember 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 typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+25 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length977 ft (297.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.2 m)
Roadway width66 ft (20.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36,900 (2011)
Projected traffic50,000 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$161,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Memorial DR over Buffalo Bayou built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Memorial DR 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Memorial DR over Buffalo Bayou carry?

About 36,900 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Memorial DR over Buffalo Bayou?

The structure is 977 ft (297.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns Memorial DR over Buffalo Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.