US Bridges

Wilpitz RD over Bessies Bayou

FairPosted for load

Waller County, Texas · 1.15 MI N of IH 10 · Structure no. 122370AA0106001

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
152 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
60
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wilpitz RD over Bessies Bayou is a concrete slab carrying Wilpitz RD over Bessies Bayou in Waller County, Texas. It was built in 1947, 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 60 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2029. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWilpitz RD
CrossesBessies Bayou
Location1.15 MI N of IH 10
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyWaller County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.79065, -96.00805
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating18 US tons
Inventory rating12 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadUnknown
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2009)
Projected traffic100 by 2029
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Wilpitz RD over Bessies Bayou built?

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

What condition is Wilpitz RD over Bessies 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Wilpitz RD over Bessies Bayou carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is Wilpitz RD over Bessies Bayou?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Wilpitz RD over Bessies Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.