US Bridges

US 259 over Bighead CR

Fair

Rusk County, Texas · 2.70 MI S of Gregg Cl · Structure no. 102010013802013

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
12,702
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 259 over Bighead CR is a concrete slab carrying US 259 over Bighead CR in Rusk County, Texas. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 102 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 12,702 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,783 by 2041. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 117 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 259
CrossesBighead CR
Location2.70 MI S of Gregg Cl
RouteU.S. Route 259
CountyRusk County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.33142, -94.86872
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
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
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width117 ft (35.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,702 (2021)
Projected traffic17,783 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$137,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 259 over Bighead CR built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is US 259 over Bighead CR 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 US 259 over Bighead CR carry?

About 12,702 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 259 over Bighead CR?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 117 ft wide.

Who owns US 259 over Bighead CR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.