Sam Houston Ship Channel Bridge, Cantilever bridge in Harris County, United States
The Sam Houston Ship Channel Bridge is a concrete cantilever bridge that crosses over the waterway, accommodating eight traffic lanes for vehicles. The structure allows large cargo vessels to pass underneath while serving as a major route for regional transportation.
The bridge opened in 1982 to complete an outer belt highway loop, a project rooted in Houston's mid-century planning documents. It became part of a wider effort to improve transportation routes surrounding the city.
The structure represents a major engineering achievement in Texas transportation infrastructure, connecting communities across the Houston Ship Channel.
Electronic toll payment is the standard method, modernized in 2016 to eliminate cash transactions and improve traffic flow. Planning extra time during peak hours is wise, as this is a busy crossing in the Houston area.
The bridge carries over 50,000 vehicles every day and plays a central role in the region's transportation network. The nearly 190 feet of clearance underneath allows freight vessels to pass through unobstructed.
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