US Bridges

Washington Avenue over Brazos River

Fair

McLennan County, Texas · 0.05 MI NE of Univ Park · Structure no. 091610B00331001

Built
1901
124 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
564 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,552
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Washington Avenue over Brazos River is a steel truss - thru carrying Washington Avenue over Brazos River in McLennan County, Texas. It was built in 1901 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 124 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.

It carries about 3,552 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,850 by 2036. The structure is 564 ft (171.9 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWashington Avenue
CrossesBrazos River
Location0.05 MI NE of Univ Park
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMcLennan County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.56164, -97.12818
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length564 ft (171.9 m)
Longest span450 ft (137.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,552 (2020)
Projected traffic4,850 by 2036
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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Washington Avenue over Brazos River built?

It was built in 1901, making it 124 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Washington Avenue over Brazos River 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Washington Avenue over Brazos River carry?

About 3,552 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Washington Avenue over Brazos River?

The structure is 564 ft (171.9 m) long with a longest span of 450 ft (137.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Washington Avenue over Brazos River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.