US Bridges

US 59 SB over Mcfarland Creek

Fair

Jackson County, Texas · 2.15 MI S of Wharton C/L · Structure no. 131210008905153

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
49 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
12,058
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 SB over Mcfarland Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 59 SB over Mcfarland Creek in Jackson County, Texas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 12,058 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,800 by 2033. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 59 SB
CrossesMcfarland Creek
Location2.15 MI S of Wharton C/L
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateTexas
Coordinates29.06554, -96.47784
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width85 ft (26 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,058 (2020)
Projected traffic14,800 by 2033
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 SB over Mcfarland Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 SB over Mcfarland 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 59 SB over Mcfarland Creek carry?

About 12,058 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 59 SB over Mcfarland Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 SB over Mcfarland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.