US Bridges

FM 959 over BNSF RR

Fair

Panola County, Texas · 0.10 MI S of FM 124 · Structure no. 191830039401009

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
270 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
912
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 959 over BNSF RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 959 over BNSF RR in Panola County, Texas. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 912 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,260 by 2033. The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 959
CrossesBNSF RR
Location0.10 MI S of FM 124
RouteState Highway 959
CountyPanola County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.24121, -94.44648
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length270 ft (82.3 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic912 (2023)
Projected traffic1,260 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 959 over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 959 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does FM 959 over BNSF RR carry?

About 912 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 959 over BNSF RR?

The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns FM 959 over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.