US Bridges

SH 361 over Gulf Intracoastal W-Way

Fair

Nueces County, Texas · 0.80 MI SE of Commercial · Structure no. 161780226302004

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
2,096 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,398
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 361 over Gulf Intracoastal W-Way is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying SH 361 over Gulf Intracoastal W-Way in Nueces County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 7,398 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,653 by 2042. The structure is 2,096 ft (638.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 361
CrossesGulf Intracoastal W-Way
Location0.80 MI SE of Commercial
RouteState Highway 361
CountyNueces County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.89531, -97.1319
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+32 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length2,096 ft (638.9 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,398 (2024)
Projected traffic8,653 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4.1 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 361 over Gulf Intracoastal W-Way built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 361 over Gulf Intracoastal W-Way 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SH 361 over Gulf Intracoastal W-Way carry?

About 7,398 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SH 361 over Gulf Intracoastal W-Way?

The structure is 2,096 ft (638.9 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SH 361 over Gulf Intracoastal W-Way?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.