US Bridges

Smith ST Conn over Buffalo Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.4 MI S of IH 10 · Structure no. 121020B59801001

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
262 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,380
2011 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Smith ST Conn over Buffalo Bayou is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Smith ST Conn over Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 15,380 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15,380 by 2031. The structure is 262 ft (79.9 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSmith ST Conn
CrossesBuffalo Bayou
Location0.4 MI S of IH 10
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.76449, -95.36368
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length262 ft (79.9 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,380 (2011)
Projected traffic15,380 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Smith ST Conn over Buffalo Bayou built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Smith ST Conn 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Smith ST Conn over Buffalo Bayou carry?

About 15,380 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Smith ST Conn over Buffalo Bayou?

The structure is 262 ft (79.9 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns Smith ST Conn over Buffalo Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.