US Bridges

Bu 77 over Bishop Channel

Fair

Nueces County, Texas · 0.50 MI S of FM 70 · Structure no. 161780010211040

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
85 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
4,757
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 77 over Bishop Channel is a concrete culvert carrying Bu 77 over Bishop Channel in Nueces County, Texas. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 78 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 4,757 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,755 by 2042. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 68 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBu 77
CrossesBishop Channel
Location0.50 MI S of FM 70
RouteState Highway 77
CountyNueces County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.58914, -97.79598
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadH 15
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width68 ft (20.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,757 (2022)
Projected traffic6,755 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bu 77 over Bishop Channel built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is Bu 77 over Bishop Channel 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Bu 77 over Bishop Channel carry?

About 4,757 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Bu 77 over Bishop Channel?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 68 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 77 over Bishop Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.