US Bridges

SH 159 over Rocky Creek

Fair

Austin County, Texas · 3.70 MI E of FM 109 · Structure no. 130080040802013

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,118
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 159 over Rocky Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 159 over Rocky Creek in Austin County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 95 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 2,118 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,270 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 159
CrossesRocky Creek
Location3.70 MI E of FM 109
RouteState Highway 159
CountyAustin County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.97221, -96.44188
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum 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 loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width69 ft (21.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,118 (2024)
Projected traffic2,270 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Rocky Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is SH 159 over Rocky Creek 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 Rocky Creek carry?

About 2,118 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 159 over Rocky Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns SH 159 over Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.