US Bridges

US 259 over Grist Creek

Fair

Rusk County, Texas · 0.95 MI NW of Lp 571 · Structure no. 102010013803043

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11,378
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 259 over Grist Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 259 over Grist Creek in Rusk County, Texas. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 84 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 11,378 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,929 by 2041. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 259
CrossesGrist Creek
Location0.95 MI NW of Lp 571
RouteU.S. Route 259
CountyRusk County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.20349, -94.82314
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
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,378 (2021)
Projected traffic15,929 by 2041
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$40,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 259 over Grist Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is US 259 over Grist 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 US 259 over Grist Creek carry?

About 11,378 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 259 over Grist Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns US 259 over Grist Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.