US Bridges

IH 45 NB over Nelson Creek

Fair

Walker County, Texas · 1.5 MI NW of FM 1696 · Structure no. 172360067506052

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
273 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
16,254
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 NB over Nelson Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 45 NB over Nelson Creek 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 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 16,254 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 32,507 by 2040. The structure is 273 ft (83.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45 NB
CrossesNelson Creek
Location1.5 MI NW of FM 1696
RouteInterstate 45
CountyWalker County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.78974, -95.67014
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length273 ft (83.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,254 (2020)
Projected traffic32,507 by 2040
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 NB over Nelson Creek built?

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

What condition is IH 45 NB over Nelson Creek 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 NB over Nelson Creek carry?

About 16,254 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 NB over Nelson Creek?

The structure is 273 ft (83.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 NB over Nelson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.