US Bridges

US 59 over Shepherd DR

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 3.10 MI E of IH 610W · Structure no. 121020002713076

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
195 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
183,561
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Shepherd DR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 over Shepherd DR in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 64 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 183,561 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 346,260 by 2033. The structure is 195 ft (59.4 m) long and 188 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 59
CrossesShepherd DR
Location3.10 MI E of IH 610W
RouteU.S. Route 59
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.73088, -95.41064
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length195 ft (59.4 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width188 ft (57.2 m)
Roadway width180 ft (54.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic183,561 (2020)
Projected traffic346,260 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure11
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 over Shepherd DR built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is US 59 over Shepherd DR 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 August 2022.

How much traffic does US 59 over Shepherd DR carry?

About 183,561 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Shepherd DR?

The structure is 195 ft (59.4 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 188 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Shepherd DR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.