US Bridges

FM 959 over Martin Creek

Fair

Panola County, Texas · 1.95 MI S of FM 1794 · Structure no. 191830039401017

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
450 ft
15 main spans
Daily traffic
428
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 959 over Martin Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 959 over Martin Creek in Panola County, Texas. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 428 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 930 by 2033. The structure is 450 ft (137.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 959
CrossesMartin Creek
Location1.95 MI S of FM 1794
RouteState Highway 959
CountyPanola County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.27257, -94.44186
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans15
Design loadH 15
Structure length450 ft (137.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic428 (2020)
Projected traffic930 by 2033
Trucks14%
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 Martin Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 959 over Martin 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 Martin Creek carry?

About 428 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 959 over Martin Creek?

The structure is 450 ft (137.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 959 over Martin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.