US Bridges

FM 961 over US 59

Good

Wharton County, Texas · 3.3 MI S of FM 102 · Structure no. 132410008907125

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
336 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 961 over US 59 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 961 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,215 by 2041. The structure is 336 ft (102.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesFM 961
CrossesUS 59
Location3.3 MI S of FM 102
RouteState Highway 961
StateTexas
Coordinates29.28164, -96.13439
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length336 ft (102.4 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2021)
Projected traffic1,215 by 2041
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 FM 961 over US 59 built?

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

What condition is FM 961 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 FM 961 over US 59 carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is FM 961 over US 59?

The structure is 336 ft (102.4 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 961 over US 59?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.