US Bridges

FM 1459 over Salt Water Canal

Fair

Brazoria County, Texas · 1.80 MI S of SH 35 · Structure no. 120200141301002

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
63 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,926
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1459 over Salt Water Canal is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 1459 over Salt Water Canal in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 66 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 5 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 3,926 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,920 by 2033. The structure is 63 ft (19.1 m) long and 44 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1459
CrossesSalt Water Canal
Location1.80 MI S of SH 35
RouteState Highway 1459
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.07116, -95.68798
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length63 ft (19.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.2 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,926 (2023)
Projected traffic4,920 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 FM 1459 over Salt Water Canal built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is FM 1459 over Salt Water Canal 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does FM 1459 over Salt Water Canal carry?

About 3,926 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 1459 over Salt Water Canal?

The structure is 63 ft (19.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.2 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1459 over Salt Water Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.