US Bridges

FM 559 over Cowhorn Creek

Fair

Bowie County, Texas · 0.90 MI NW of SH 93 · Structure no. 190190102001004

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
58 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
11,387
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 559 over Cowhorn Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 559 over Cowhorn Creek in Bowie County, Texas. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1994, 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 11,387 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,040 by 2033. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 559
CrossesCowhorn Creek
Location0.90 MI NW of SH 93
RouteState Highway 559
CountyBowie County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.44939, -94.07459
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width85 ft (25.9 m)
Roadway width65 ft (19.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,387 (2023)
Projected traffic29,040 by 2033
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 FM 559 over Cowhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is FM 559 over Cowhorn 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does FM 559 over Cowhorn Creek carry?

About 11,387 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is FM 559 over Cowhorn Creek?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns FM 559 over Cowhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.