US Bridges

FM 259 over Rio Grande River

Fair

El Paso County, Texas · 0.1 MI W of SH 20 · Structure no. 240720000105042

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
330 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
7,981
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 259 over Rio Grande River is a concrete continuous slab carrying FM 259 over Rio Grande River in El Paso County, Texas. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 7,981 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,260 by 2033. The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 259
CrossesRio Grande River
Location0.1 MI W of SH 20
RouteState Highway 259
CountyEl Paso County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.91521, -106.60207
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 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 rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans12
Design loadOther
Structure length330 ft (100.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,981 (2020)
Projected traffic13,260 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 259 over Rio Grande River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 259 over Rio Grande River 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does FM 259 over Rio Grande River carry?

About 7,981 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 259 over Rio Grande River?

The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns FM 259 over Rio Grande River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.