US Bridges

SH 159 over Rocky Creek

Poor

Fayette County, Texas · 3.40 MI NE of SH 71 · Structure no. 130760026702022

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
79 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,088
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 159 over Rocky Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 159 over Rocky Creek in Fayette County, Texas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 2 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 5,088 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,057 by 2042. The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 159
CrossesRocky Creek
Location3.40 MI NE of SH 71
RouteState Highway 159
CountyFayette County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.94212, -96.80444
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Channel and channel protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length79 ft (24.1 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,088 (2023)
Projected traffic9,057 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 SH 159 over Rocky Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 159 over Rocky Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does SH 159 over Rocky Creek carry?

About 5,088 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SH 159 over Rocky Creek?

The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SH 159 over Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.