US Bridges

IH 45 SB over FM 1696

Fair

Walker County, Texas · 1.45 MI N of SH 75 · Structure no. 172360067506053

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
130 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,386
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 SB over FM 1696 is a concrete continuous slab carrying IH 45 SB over FM 1696 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 17,386 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,771 by 2040. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45 SB
CrossesFM 1696
Location1.45 MI N of SH 75
RouteInterstate 45
CountyWalker County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.77643, -95.65022
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,386 (2020)
Projected traffic34,771 by 2040
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 45 SB over FM 1696 built?

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

What condition is IH 45 SB over FM 1696 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 SB over FM 1696 carry?

About 17,386 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 SB over FM 1696?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns IH 45 SB over FM 1696?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.