US Bridges

US 259 SB over Ham Creek

Fair

Rusk County, Texas · 13.4 Miles South of US 79 · Structure no. 102010013805050

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
150 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,111
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 259 SB over Ham Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 259 SB over Ham Creek in Rusk County, Texas. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 78 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 3,111 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,470 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 259 SB
CrossesHam Creek
Location13.4 Miles South of US 79
RouteU.S. Route 259
CountyRusk County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.96576, -94.70434
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,111 (2020)
Projected traffic5,470 by 2033
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 259 SB over Ham Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

What condition is US 259 SB over Ham 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 259 SB over Ham Creek carry?

About 3,111 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is US 259 SB over Ham Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 259 SB over Ham Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.