US Bridges

Clemons Switch RD over Bessies Bayou

Fair

Waller County, Texas · 1.50 MI S of FM 1458 · Structure no. 122370AA0110003

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
170
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Clemons Switch RD over Bessies Bayou is a concrete slab carrying Clemons Switch RD over Bessies Bayou in Waller County, Texas. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 78 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 170 vehicles a day, projected to reach 300 by 2029. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesClemons Switch RD
CrossesBessies Bayou
Location1.50 MI S of FM 1458
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWaller County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.81601, -96.01941
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic170 (2009)
Projected traffic300 by 2029
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Clemons Switch RD over Bessies Bayou built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is Clemons Switch RD over Bessies 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Clemons Switch RD over Bessies Bayou carry?

About 170 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is Clemons Switch RD over Bessies Bayou?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Clemons Switch RD over Bessies Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.