US Bridges

US 79 over BNSF RR

Fair

Leon County, Texas · 1.3 MI W of FM 39 · Structure no. 171450020504015

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
121 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,009
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 79 over BNSF RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 79 over BNSF RR in Leon County, Texas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 88 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 5,009 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,250 by 2033. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 79
CrossesBNSF RR
Location1.3 MI W of FM 39
RouteU.S. Route 79
CountyLeon County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.34323, -96.17017
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,009 (2020)
Projected traffic9,250 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 79 over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is US 79 over BNSF RR 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 79 over BNSF RR carry?

About 5,009 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 79 over BNSF RR?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US 79 over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.