US Bridges

US 259 over Ellison Creek Reservoir

Good

Morris County, Texas · 0.4 MI SE of FM 144 · Structure no. 191720039201043

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
200 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,233
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 259 over Ellison Creek Reservoir is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 259 over Ellison Creek Reservoir in Morris County, Texas. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 7,233 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,777 by 2042. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 82 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesUS 259
CrossesEllison Creek Reservoir
Location0.4 MI SE of FM 144
RouteU.S. Route 259
StateTexas
Coordinates32.97148, -94.71336
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width82 ft (25 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,233 (2023)
Projected traffic8,777 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 259 over Ellison Creek Reservoir built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 259 over Ellison Creek Reservoir in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does US 259 over Ellison Creek Reservoir carry?

About 7,233 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 259 over Ellison Creek Reservoir?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 82 ft wide.

Who owns US 259 over Ellison Creek Reservoir?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.