US Bridges

SH 159 over Willow Branch

Fair

Fayette County, Texas · 0.45 MI E of FM 954 · Structure no. 130760040801009

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1974
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,387
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 159 over Willow Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 159 over Willow Branch in Fayette County, Texas. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1974, so it is 97 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 1,387 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,290 by 2033. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 57 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 159
CrossesWillow Branch
Location0.45 MI E of FM 954
RouteState Highway 159
CountyFayette County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.96735, -96.59215
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than 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 spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width57 ft (17.5 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,387 (2020)
Projected traffic1,290 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Willow Branch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1974.

What condition is SH 159 over Willow Branch 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 SH 159 over Willow Branch carry?

About 1,387 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 159 over Willow Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 57 ft wide.

Who owns SH 159 over Willow Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.