US Bridges

US 59 Sbml over Rice Ave

Fair

Harris County, Texas · 0.5 MI W of IH 610 · Structure no. 121020002713259

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
195 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
146,960
2011 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 Sbml over Rice Ave is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 Sbml over Rice Ave in Harris County, Texas. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1993, 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 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 146,960 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 205,750 by 2031. The structure is 195 ft (59.4 m) long and 113 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 59 Sbml
CrossesRice Ave
Location0.5 MI W of IH 610
RouteU.S. Route 59
CountyHarris County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.72634, -95.46819
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 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 width113 ft (34.4 m)
Roadway width89 ft (27.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic146,960 (2011)
Projected traffic205,750 by 2031
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$663,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 Sbml over Rice Ave built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is US 59 Sbml over Rice Ave 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 Sbml over Rice Ave carry?

About 146,960 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 59 Sbml over Rice Ave?

The structure is 195 ft (59.4 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 113 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 Sbml over Rice Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.