US Bridges

SH 7 over Neches River Relief

Fair

Houston County, Texas · 0.5 MI SW of Houston C/L · Structure no. 111140033602013

Built
1944
81 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
180 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
3,413
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 7 over Neches River Relief is a concrete slab carrying SH 7 over Neches River Relief in Houston County, Texas. It was built in 1944 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 81 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 3,413 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,940 by 2033. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 41 mi (66 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 7
CrossesNeches River Relief
Location0.5 MI SW of Houston C/L
RouteState Highway 7
CountyHouston County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.39245, -94.97229
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadH 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,413 (2020)
Projected traffic4,940 by 2033
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed41 mi (66 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 SH 7 over Neches River Relief built?

It was built in 1944, making it 81 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is SH 7 over Neches River Relief 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 7 over Neches River Relief carry?

About 3,413 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is SH 7 over Neches River Relief?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SH 7 over Neches River Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.