US Bridges

CR 59 over American Canal

Good

Brazoria County, Texas · 2.2 MI W of SH 288 · Structure no. 120200AA0546001

Built
1987
38 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
43 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 59 over American Canal is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 59 over American Canal in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1987 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 38 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2031. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCR 59
CrossesAmerican Canal
Location2.2 MI W of SH 288
RouteCounty Highway 59
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.54059, -95.42345
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2011)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2031
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$8,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 59 over American Canal built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is CR 59 over American Canal 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does CR 59 over American Canal carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is CR 59 over American Canal?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns CR 59 over American Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.