US Bridges

SH 359 over Palo Hueco Crk

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 0.9 MI NE JCT FM 2044 · Structure no. 161260008701005

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
132 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,556
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 359 over Palo Hueco Crk is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 359 over Palo Hueco Crk in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1957, so it is 100 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 4,556 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,470 by 2033. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 359
CrossesPalo Hueco Crk
Location0.9 MI NE JCT FM 2044
RouteState Highway 359
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.85943, -98.00018
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length132 ft (40.2 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,556 (2020)
Projected traffic7,470 by 2033
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 359 over Palo Hueco Crk built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is SH 359 over Palo Hueco Crk 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 2024.

How much traffic does SH 359 over Palo Hueco Crk carry?

About 4,556 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is SH 359 over Palo Hueco Crk?

The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 359 over Palo Hueco Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.