US Bridges

US 59 NB over Tarkington Bayou

Fair

San Jacinto County, Texas · 1.50 MI NE of Liberty C/L · Structure no. 112040017702014

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1948
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
88 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
15,456
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 NB over Tarkington Bayou is a concrete slab carrying US 59 NB over Tarkington Bayou in San Jacinto County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1948, so it is 96 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 15,456 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,750 by 2033. The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 59 NB
CrossesTarkington Bayou
Location1.50 MI NE of Liberty C/L
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateTexas
Coordinates30.41846, -95.0449
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length88 ft (26.8 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,456 (2019)
Projected traffic19,750 by 2033
Trucks23%
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 59 NB over Tarkington Bayou built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1948.

What condition is US 59 NB over Tarkington Bayou 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 NB over Tarkington Bayou carry?

About 15,456 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is US 59 NB over Tarkington Bayou?

The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 NB over Tarkington Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.