US Bridges

FM 359 over Bessies Creek Tributary

Fair

Waller County, Texas · 0.25 MI NW of FM 529 · Structure no. 122370054301025

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,592
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 359 over Bessies Creek Tributary is a concrete culvert carrying FM 359 over Bessies Creek Tributary in Waller County, Texas. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1988, 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 3,592 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,800 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
CrossesBessies Creek Tributary
Location0.25 MI NW of FM 529
RouteState Highway 359
CountyWaller County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.92126, -96.02482
Functional classUrban 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than 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 spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,592 (2020)
Projected traffic6,800 by 2033
Trucks12%
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 Bessies Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is FM 359 over Bessies Creek Tributary 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does FM 359 over Bessies Creek Tributary carry?

About 3,592 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is FM 359 over Bessies Creek Tributary?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns FM 359 over Bessies Creek Tributary?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.