US Bridges

US 59 over Big Cypress Bayou

Fair

Marion County, Texas · 0.60 MI S of SH 49 · Structure no. 191550006206037

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
756 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,165
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Big Cypress Bayou is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 over Big Cypress Bayou in Marion County, Texas. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 71 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 11,165 vehicles a day, roughly 40% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,720 by 2033. The structure is 756 ft (230.4 m) long and 88 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 59
CrossesBig Cypress Bayou
Location0.60 MI S of SH 49
RouteU.S. Route 59
CountyMarion County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.75168, -94.35494
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+18 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length756 ft (230.4 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width88 ft (26.9 m)
Roadway width86 ft (26.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,165 (2020)
Projected traffic21,720 by 2033
Trucks40%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 over Big Cypress Bayou built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is US 59 over Big Cypress Bayou 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Big Cypress Bayou carry?

About 11,165 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 40% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Big Cypress Bayou?

The structure is 756 ft (230.4 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 88 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Big Cypress Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.