US Bridges

FM 959 over Watson Creek

Fair

Panola County, Texas · 0.65 MI SE of SH 43 · Structure no. 191830039401001

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
525
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 959 over Watson Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 959 over Watson Creek in Panola County, Texas. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 525 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 490 by 2033. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 959
CrossesWatson Creek
Location0.65 MI SE of SH 43
RouteState Highway 959
CountyPanola County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.35448, -94.45702
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic525 (2020)
Projected traffic490 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 FM 959 over Watson Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 959 over Watson 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does FM 959 over Watson Creek carry?

About 525 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is FM 959 over Watson Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns FM 959 over Watson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.