US Bridges

SH 359 over Wade Creek

Fair

Jim Wells County, Texas · 6.5 MI NE of FM 624 · Structure no. 161260008702012

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1956
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,437
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 359 over Wade Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 359 over Wade Creek in Jim Wells County, Texas. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1956, 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 4,437 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,870 by 2033. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 359
CrossesWade Creek
Location6.5 MI NE of FM 624
RouteState Highway 359
CountyJim Wells County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.02957, -97.86861
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,437 (2020)
Projected traffic6,870 by 2033
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 Wade Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1956.

What condition is SH 359 over Wade 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SH 359 over Wade Creek carry?

About 4,437 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is SH 359 over Wade Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SH 359 over Wade Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.