US Bridges

US 59 NB over SH 71

Good

Wharton County, Texas · 1.00 MI E of FM 1163 · Structure no. 132410008907090

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,756
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 NB over SH 71 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 NB over SH 71 in Wharton 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 17,756 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,858 by 2041. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 59 NB
CrossesSH 71
Location1.00 MI E of FM 1163
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateTexas
Coordinates29.17773, -96.26083
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,756 (2021)
Projected traffic24,858 by 2041
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 NB over SH 71 built?

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

What condition is US 59 NB over SH 71 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does US 59 NB over SH 71 carry?

About 17,756 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 59 NB over SH 71?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 NB over SH 71?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.