US Bridges

SH 242 Wb/Ih 45 SB over IH 45 & SH 242

Good

Montgomery County, Texas · JCT IH 45 and SH 242 · Structure no. 121700353801387

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
3,039 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
16,558
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 242 Wb/Ih 45 SB over IH 45 & SH 242 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 242 Wb/Ih 45 SB over IH 45 & SH 242 in Montgomery County, Texas. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 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 16,558 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1 by 1900. The structure is 3,039 ft (926.3 m) long and 29 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 242 Wb/Ih 45 SB
CrossesIH 45 & SH 242
LocationJCT IH 45 and SH 242
RouteState Highway 242
CountyMontgomery County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.20713, -95.45529
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal 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
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+14 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length3,039 ft (926.3 m)
Longest span313 ft (95.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck19 ft (5.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,558 (2023)
Projected traffic1 by 1900
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a toll 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 242 Wb/Ih 45 SB over IH 45 & SH 242 built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 242 Wb/Ih 45 SB over IH 45 & SH 242 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SH 242 Wb/Ih 45 SB over IH 45 & SH 242 carry?

About 16,558 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 242 Wb/Ih 45 SB over IH 45 & SH 242?

The structure is 3,039 ft (926.3 m) long with a longest span of 313 ft (95.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SH 242 Wb/Ih 45 SB over IH 45 & SH 242?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.