US Bridges

Preston Ave over Buffalo Bayou

Good

Harris County, Texas · 0.35 MI W of Main ST · Structure no. 121020B52425241

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
205 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,517
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Preston Ave over Buffalo Bayou is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Preston Ave over Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,517 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,546 by 2035. The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesPreston Ave
CrossesBuffalo Bayou
Location0.35 MI W of Main ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.76432, -95.36604
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length205 ft (62.5 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.2 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.9 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,517 (2022)
Projected traffic10,546 by 2035
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$20,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Preston Ave over Buffalo Bayou built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is Preston Ave over Buffalo Bayou in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does Preston Ave over Buffalo Bayou carry?

About 2,517 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Preston Ave over Buffalo Bayou?

The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.2 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns Preston Ave over Buffalo Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.