US Bridges

SH 359 over Agua Dulce Creek

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 6.0 MI NE JCT FM 2044 · Structure no. 161260008702008

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,057
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 359 over Agua Dulce Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 359 over Agua Dulce Creek 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 5,057 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,620 by 2033. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 359
CrossesAgua Dulce Creek
Location6.0 MI NE JCT FM 2044
RouteState Highway 359
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates27.9209, -97.9587
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,057 (2020)
Projected traffic7,620 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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 Agua Dulce Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 359 over Agua Dulce 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 2024.

How much traffic does SH 359 over Agua Dulce Creek carry?

About 5,057 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 359 over Agua Dulce Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SH 359 over Agua Dulce Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.