US Bridges

SH 159 over West Mill Creek

Fair

Austin County, Texas · 3.27 MI E of FM 109 · Structure no. 130080040802023

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
546 ft
18 main spans
Daily traffic
1,815
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 159 over West Mill Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 159 over West Mill Creek in Austin County, Texas. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 1,815 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,270 by 2033. The structure is 546 ft (166.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 159
CrossesWest Mill Creek
Location3.27 MI E of FM 109
RouteState Highway 159
CountyAustin County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.97073, -96.44789
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans18
Design loadH 20
Structure length546 ft (166.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,815 (2020)
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 West Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 159 over West Mill 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 West Mill Creek carry?

About 1,815 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 159 over West Mill Creek?

The structure is 546 ft (166.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 159 over West Mill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.