US Bridges

SH 159 over Ford Train Branch

Fair

Austin County, Texas · 2.00 MI W of FM 1457 · Structure no. 130080040802010

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,386
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 159 over Ford Train Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 159 over Ford Train Branch in Austin County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 94 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 1,386 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,370 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 159
CrossesFord Train Branch
Location2.00 MI W of FM 1457
RouteState Highway 159
CountyAustin County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.97871, -96.57477
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 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
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,386 (2020)
Projected traffic1,370 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 SH 159 over Ford Train Branch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is SH 159 over Ford Train Branch 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 159 over Ford Train Branch carry?

About 1,386 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 159 over Ford Train Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns SH 159 over Ford Train Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.