MAIN ST

over BUFFALO & WHITE OAK BYU

0.2 MI S OF IH 10, Harris County, Texas

Condition

Fair

Year Built

1914

Daily Traffic

15,160

Length

128 ft

About This Bridge

MAIN ST carries traffic over BUFFALO & WHITE OAK BYU in Harris County, Texas. Built in 1914, this structure is 112 years old, making it a historic structure that has served the community for generations. The bridge features concrete construction with a arch - deck design, a combination chosen by engineers to meet the specific requirements of this crossing.

Approximately 15,160 vehicles cross this bridge daily, representing moderate traffic volumes typical of important regional connectors. This level of usage requires regular monitoring to ensure continued safe operation.

The bridge is currently rated in fair condition based on federal inspection criteria established by the Federal Highway Administration. The structure meets current safety standards for its designated use and load capacity. With a total length of 128 feet, this structure falls within the typical range requiring standard inspection procedures conducted by certified bridge inspectors.

Concrete bridges offer excellent durability and relatively low maintenance requirements. They resist corrosion well but can develop cracking over time, particularly in regions with freeze-thaw cycles or heavy use of deicing chemicals. Regular inspection focuses on detecting cracks, spalling, and reinforcement corrosion.

Federal law requires that all highway bridges be inspected at least every 24 months by qualified inspectors following the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). Some bridges with known issues or unusual characteristics may be inspected more frequently. Inspection data is reported to the National Bridge Inventory, a database maintained by the Federal Highway Administration that tracks the condition of all public highway bridges in the United States. This bridge data is sourced from that federal database and reflects the most recent available inspection results.

Condition Ratings

6

Deck Condition

Satisfactory

6

Superstructure

Satisfactory

6

Substructure

Satisfactory

6

Channel & Protection

Satisfactory

6

Lowest Rating

Determines condition category

NBI condition ratings range from 0 (failed) to 9 (excellent). Ratings of 4 or below are considered poor. The overall condition category is determined by the lowest individual component rating.

The fair condition rating of 6 indicates satisfactory condition with minor section loss or deterioration.

For a structure built in 1914, this condition level is expected given the bridge's age and usage patterns.

Bridge Details

Concrete is the primary structural material, which influences maintenance requirements and expected lifespan. The arch - deck design was selected based on span requirements, load capacity needs, and site conditions at the time of construction. Maintenance responsibility falls to City/Municipal.

Construction

Year Built1914
Year Reconstructed1985
MaterialConcrete
Design TypeArch - Deck
OwnerCity/Municipal

Dimensions

Total Length128 ft (38.9 m)
Max Span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck Width6 ft
Deck Area7,111 sq ft

Span dimensions affect structural design choices and load distribution. The deck area of 7,111 sq ft determines surface maintenance scope.

Classification

Route TypeCity Street
Route Number0
Lanes On Bridge2
Lanes Under Bridge

Status

Toll BridgeNo
Historical SignificanceEligible for NRHP
Scour Critical6
Detour Length

Traffic Data

Traffic volume data helps engineers assess bridge wear patterns and plan maintenance schedules. Average Daily Traffic (ADT) counts are updated periodically and represent typical weekday usage.

15,160

Avg Daily Traffic (2015)

Vehicles per day crossing this bridge

Truck Traffic

Commercial vehicle percentage

17,282

Projected Future ADT

Estimated future demand

This bridge carries approximately 15,160 vehicles per day, translating to roughly 5,533,400 crossings annually. This moderate traffic level is typical for regional connectors.

Traffic projections estimate future volumes of 17,282 vehicles daily, a 14% increase from current levels. These projections inform capacity planning and potential upgrade requirements.

Load Ratings

Load ratings determine what weight this bridge can safely support. These values are critical for routing heavy vehicles and issuing overweight permits.

Operating Rating

3.3 tons

Maximum allowable load for special permits

Inventory Rating

2.5 tons

Load level for normal traffic

The operating rating of 3.3 tons represents the absolute maximum load this bridge can carry under controlled conditions with special permits. The inventory rating of 2.5 tons is the safe load limit for everyday traffic without restrictions. These relatively low ratings may result in posted weight limits or route restrictions for heavy vehicles.

5-Year Condition Trend

Stable

Condition has remained relatively stable since 2020

Data: 2020-2024 FHWA National Bridge Inventory

Location

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31.140278, -96.275833

Identification

Structure Number121020B41697003
NBI IDTX-121020B41697003
State FIPS48
County FIPS201

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Data Source: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) National Bridge Inventory 2024

Bridge inspection data is typically updated every 24 months. Conditions may have changed since the last inspection.

“Structurally deficient” does not mean a bridge is unsafe or likely to collapse. It indicates that one or more key structural elements are in poor or worse condition. Bridges are inspected regularly and may have load restrictions in place.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used for route clearance or vehicle weight decisions.

MAIN ST over BUFFALO & WHITE OAK BYU | Texas