US Bridges

IH 45 over Prairie Branch Relief

Fair

Walker County, Texas · 3.0 MI S of SH 30 · Structure no. 172360067507014

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
39,452
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 45 over Prairie Branch Relief is a concrete culvert carrying IH 45 over Prairie Branch Relief in Walker 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 39,452 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 63,486 by 2039. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 45
CrossesPrairie Branch Relief
Location3.0 MI S of SH 30
RouteInterstate 45
CountyWalker County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.68743, -95.5407
Functional classUrban 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable 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 loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39,452 (2020)
Projected traffic63,486 by 2039
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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 Prairie Branch Relief built?

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

What condition is IH 45 over Prairie Branch Relief 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 Prairie Branch Relief carry?

About 39,452 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is IH 45 over Prairie Branch Relief?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns IH 45 over Prairie Branch Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.