US Bridges

SH 73 over Crane Bayou

Fair

Jefferson County, Texas · 0.2 MI W of SH 87 · Structure no. 201240050804165

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21,274
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 73 over Crane Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying SH 73 over Crane Bayou in Jefferson County, Texas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 21,274 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,580 by 2033. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 73
CrossesCrane Bayou
Location0.2 MI W of SH 87
RouteState Highway 73
CountyJefferson County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.94057, -93.89696
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,274 (2022)
Projected traffic28,580 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure9
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$223,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 73 over Crane Bayou built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 73 over Crane 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SH 73 over Crane Bayou carry?

About 21,274 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SH 73 over Crane Bayou?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 73 over Crane Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.