US Bridges

US 59 over Sparrow Creek

Fair

Goliad County, Texas · 0.1 MI E of US 183 · Structure no. 160890008802012

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
9,644
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Sparrow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 59 over Sparrow Creek in Goliad County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 96 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 9,644 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,508 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 59
CrossesSparrow Creek
Location0.1 MI E of US 183
RouteU.S. Route 59
CountyGoliad County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.66821, -97.38697
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.3 m)
Roadway width62 ft (18.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,644 (2022)
Projected traffic13,508 by 2042
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 Sparrow Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is US 59 over Sparrow 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Sparrow Creek carry?

About 9,644 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Sparrow Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Sparrow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.