US Bridges

IH 45 over Carters Slough

Good

Montgomery County, Texas · 0.20 MI S of SH 242 · Structure no. 121700011004171

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
49 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
170,688
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 over Carters Slough is a concrete culvert carrying IH 45 over Carters Slough in Montgomery County, Texas. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 170,688 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 238,963 by 2042. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesIH 45
CrossesCarters Slough
Location0.20 MI S of SH 242
RouteInterstate 45
StateTexas
Coordinates30.20471, -95.45596
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
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 spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic170,688 (2023)
Projected traffic238,963 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure16
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 over Carters Slough built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 over Carters Slough in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does IH 45 over Carters Slough carry?

About 170,688 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 over Carters Slough?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns IH 45 over Carters Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.