US Bridges

Swallow ST over Sims Bayou

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.90 MI SE of Bellfort · Structure no. 121020B62681544

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
360 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,820
2011 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Swallow ST over Sims Bayou is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Swallow ST over Sims 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 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 3,820 vehicles a day, projected to reach 8,724 by 2031. The structure is 360 ft (109.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSwallow ST
CrossesSims Bayou
Location0.90 MI SE of Bellfort
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.66353, -95.3043
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length360 ft (109.7 m)
Longest span121 ft (36.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,820 (2011)
Projected traffic8,724 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$24,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Swallow ST over Sims Bayou built?

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

What condition is Swallow ST over Sims 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Swallow ST over Sims Bayou carry?

About 3,820 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Swallow ST over Sims Bayou?

The structure is 360 ft (109.7 m) long with a longest span of 121 ft (36.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Swallow ST over Sims Bayou?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.