US Bridges

US 59 SB over Bu 59 S & KCS RR

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 0.30 MI SW of FM 960 · Structure no. 132410008907101

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
929 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
14,624
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 SB over Bu 59 S & KCS RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 SB over Bu 59 S & KCS RR 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 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 14,624 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,244 by 2041. The structure is 929 ft (283.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 59 SB
CrossesBu 59 S & KCS RR
Location0.30 MI SW of FM 960
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateTexas
Coordinates29.21303, -96.23941
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
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 rating66 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans12 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length929 ft (283.2 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,624 (2024)
Projected traffic16,244 by 2041
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
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 SB over Bu 59 S & KCS RR built?

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

What condition is US 59 SB over Bu 59 S & KCS RR 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does US 59 SB over Bu 59 S & KCS RR carry?

About 14,624 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is US 59 SB over Bu 59 S & KCS RR?

The structure is 929 ft (283.2 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 SB over Bu 59 S & KCS RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.