US Bridges

SH 242 EB over Spring Branch

Fair

Montgomery County, Texas · 1.85 MI E of FM 1485 · Structure no. 121700353801006

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
240 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,284
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 242 EB over Spring Branch is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 242 EB over Spring Branch in Montgomery County, Texas. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 10,284 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,398 by 2042. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 242 EB
CrossesSpring Branch
Location1.85 MI E of FM 1485
RouteState Highway 242
CountyMontgomery County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.21942, -95.24926
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable 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 length240 ft (73.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,284 (2023)
Projected traffic14,398 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SH 242 EB over Spring Branch built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 242 EB over Spring Branch 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SH 242 EB over Spring Branch carry?

About 10,284 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 242 EB over Spring Branch?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 242 EB over Spring Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.