US Bridges

Bu 59 R Connector over US 59

Good

Wharton County, Texas · 0.15 MI SW of FM 961 · Structure no. 132410008907123

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
485 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 59 R Connector over US 59 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bu 59 R Connector over US 59 in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,300 by 2041. The structure is 485 ft (147.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBu 59 R Connector
CrossesUS 59
Location0.15 MI SW of FM 961
RouteState Highway 59
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.27969, -96.13555
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+5 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length485 ft (147.8 m)
Longest span115 ft (35.1 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2021)
Projected traffic6,300 by 2041
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Bu 59 R Connector over US 59 built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bu 59 R Connector over US 59 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 Bu 59 R Connector over US 59 carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Bu 59 R Connector over US 59?

The structure is 485 ft (147.8 m) long with a longest span of 115 ft (35.1 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 59 R Connector over US 59?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.