US Bridges

SH 359 over Bullshead Creek

Fair

Bee County, Texas · 3.3 MI NE of FM 796 · Structure no. 160130008705019

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
47 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
5,460
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 359 over Bullshead Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 359 over Bullshead Creek in Bee County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1992, 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 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 5,460 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,010 by 2033. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 359
CrossesBullshead Creek
Location3.3 MI NE of FM 796
RouteState Highway 359
CountyBee County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.20813, -97.72025
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable 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 spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.6 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,460 (2020)
Projected traffic8,010 by 2033
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 359 over Bullshead Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is SH 359 over Bullshead 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SH 359 over Bullshead Creek carry?

About 5,460 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is SH 359 over Bullshead Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns SH 359 over Bullshead Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.