US Bridges

IH 45 over Sulphur Branch

Fair

Walker County, Texas · 2.4 MI SE of FM 2989 · Structure no. 172360067506046

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
32,507
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 over Sulphur Branch is a concrete culvert carrying IH 45 over Sulphur Branch in Walker County, Texas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 32,507 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 65,014 by 2039. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45
CrossesSulphur Branch
Location2.4 MI SE of FM 2989
RouteInterstate 45
CountyWalker County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.84817, -95.73383
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,507 (2020)
Projected traffic65,014 by 2039
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate 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 IH 45 over Sulphur Branch built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 45 over Sulphur Branch 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does IH 45 over Sulphur Branch carry?

About 32,507 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 over Sulphur Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns IH 45 over Sulphur Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.