US Bridges

FM 159 over Big Spring Creek

Fair

Brazos County, Texas · 1.5 MI N of SH 105 · Structure no. 170210054005035

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
152 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
472
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 159 over Big Spring Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 159 over Big Spring Creek in Brazos County, Texas. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 472 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 730 by 2033. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 159
CrossesBig Spring Creek
Location1.5 MI N of SH 105
RouteState Highway 159
CountyBrazos County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.38627, -96.1538
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic472 (2020)
Projected traffic730 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 FM 159 over Big Spring Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 159 over Big Spring 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does FM 159 over Big Spring Creek carry?

About 472 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 159 over Big Spring Creek?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 159 over Big Spring Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.