US Bridges

FM 359 over Bell Bottom Creek

Fair

Waller County, Texas · 1.90 MI NW of FM 362 · Structure no. 122370054301016

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,404
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 359 over Bell Bottom Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 359 over Bell Bottom Creek in Waller County, Texas. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 6,404 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,960 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 359
CrossesBell Bottom Creek
Location1.90 MI NW of FM 362
RouteState Highway 359
CountyWaller County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.80882, -95.97805
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,404 (2020)
Projected traffic4,960 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 359 over Bell Bottom Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 359 over Bell Bottom 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does FM 359 over Bell Bottom Creek carry?

About 6,404 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is FM 359 over Bell Bottom Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns FM 359 over Bell Bottom Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.