US Bridges

SH 44 WB over Bu 77-UPRR

Fair

Nueces County, Texas · 0.45 MI NW of E Main Ave · Structure no. 161780037302014

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
445 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,491
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 44 WB over Bu 77-UPRR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 44 WB over Bu 77-UPRR in Nueces County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 5,491 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,069 by 2042. The structure is 445 ft (135.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 44 WB
CrossesBu 77-UPRR
Location0.45 MI NW of E Main Ave
RouteState Highway 44
CountyNueces County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.79485, -97.65679
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating27.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length445 ft (135.6 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,491 (2024)
Projected traffic7,069 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 44 WB over Bu 77-UPRR built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 44 WB over Bu 77-UPRR 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 SH 44 WB over Bu 77-UPRR carry?

About 5,491 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 44 WB over Bu 77-UPRR?

The structure is 445 ft (135.6 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SH 44 WB over Bu 77-UPRR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.