US Bridges

US 259 over Blythe Creek

Fair

Bowie County, Texas · 2.20 MI N of FM 561 · Structure no. 190190008502024

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
152 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,601
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 259 over Blythe Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 259 over Blythe Creek in Bowie County, Texas. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,601 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,330 by 2033. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 259
CrossesBlythe Creek
Location2.20 MI N of FM 561
RouteU.S. Route 259
CountyBowie County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.39646, -94.67391
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,601 (2024)
Projected traffic2,330 by 2033
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 US 259 over Blythe Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 259 over Blythe 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 259 over Blythe Creek carry?

About 1,601 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is US 259 over Blythe Creek?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US 259 over Blythe Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.