US Bridges

SH 12 over Cow Bayou

Fair

Orange County, Texas · 2.55 MI SW of SH 62 · Structure no. 201810049903013

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
160 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
8,822
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 12 over Cow Bayou is a concrete slab carrying SH 12 over Cow Bayou in Orange County, Texas. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 77 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 8,822 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,960 by 2033. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 12
CrossesCow Bayou
Location2.55 MI SW of SH 62
RouteState Highway 12
CountyOrange County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.18639, -93.90848
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,822 (2022)
Projected traffic9,960 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 SH 12 over Cow Bayou built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is SH 12 over Cow Bayou 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SH 12 over Cow Bayou carry?

About 8,822 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 12 over Cow Bayou?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 12 over Cow Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.