US Bridges

Shepherd DR FR over Buffalo Bayou

FairPosted for load

Harris County, Texas · 1.20 MI S of IH 10 · Structure no. 121020B59009002

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 1951
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
332 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
22,950
2011 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Shepherd DR FR over Buffalo Bayou is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Shepherd DR FR over Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 1951, so it is 104 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 22,950 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25,250 by 2031. The structure is 332 ft (101.2 m) long and 56 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesShepherd DR FR
CrossesBuffalo Bayou
Location1.20 MI S of IH 10
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.76017, -95.40872
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionSeptember 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 Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadUnknown
Structure length332 ft (101.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,950 (2011)
Projected traffic25,250 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-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$40,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Shepherd DR FR over Buffalo Bayou built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1951.

What condition is Shepherd DR FR 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Shepherd DR FR over Buffalo Bayou carry?

About 22,950 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Shepherd DR FR over Buffalo Bayou?

The structure is 332 ft (101.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns Shepherd DR FR over Buffalo Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.