US Bridges

SH 159 over Brazos River Relief

Good

Austin County, Texas · 1.8 MI NE of FM 1456 · Structure no. 130080040901161

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Other
Prestressed Concrete
Length
160 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,558
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 159 over Brazos River Relief is a prestressed concrete other carrying SH 159 over Brazos River Relief in Austin County, Texas. It was built in 2009, so it is 16 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,558 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,530 by 2033. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

CarriesSH 159
CrossesBrazos River Relief
Location1.8 MI NE of FM 1456
RouteState Highway 159
StateTexas
Coordinates30.03822, -96.11726
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHL 93
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,558 (2020)
Projected traffic5,530 by 2033
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 159 over Brazos River Relief built?

It was built in 2009, making it 16 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 159 over Brazos River Relief in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 159 over Brazos River Relief carry?

About 5,558 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is SH 159 over Brazos River Relief?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 159 over Brazos River Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.