US Bridges

US 59 over Colmena Creek

Good

Duval County, Texas · 3.70 MI SW of SH 44 · Structure no. 220670054203017

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,029
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Colmena Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 59 over Colmena Creek in Duval County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 76 years old, older 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 2,029 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,850 by 2038. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.1 mi (100 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesColmena Creek
Location3.70 MI SW of SH 44
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateTexas
Coordinates27.85335, -98.72114
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.9 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,029 (2020)
Projected traffic4,850 by 2038
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.1 mi (100 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 US 59 over Colmena Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is US 59 over Colmena Creek 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 59 over Colmena Creek carry?

About 2,029 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Colmena Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Colmena Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.