US Bridges

SH 159 over Muddy Branch

Fair

Austin County, Texas · 5.15 MI NE of FM 529 · Structure no. 130080040901004

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
98 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
5,224
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 159 over Muddy Branch is a concrete slab carrying SH 159 over Muddy Branch in Austin County, Texas. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 97 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 5,224 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,070 by 2033. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 159
CrossesMuddy Branch
Location5.15 MI NE of FM 529
RouteState Highway 159
CountyAustin County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.99938, -96.18959
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,224 (2020)
Projected traffic5,070 by 2033
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Muddy Branch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is SH 159 over Muddy 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 Muddy Branch carry?

About 5,224 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is SH 159 over Muddy Branch?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 159 over Muddy Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.