US Bridges

US 59 over Baughman Slough

Good

Wharton County, Texas · 1.45 MI N of FM 102 · Structure no. 132410008908137

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,353
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Baughman Slough is a concrete culvert carrying US 59 over Baughman Slough 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 19,353 vehicles a day, roughly 38% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,094 by 2042. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 163 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 59
CrossesBaughman Slough
Location1.45 MI N of FM 102
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateTexas
Coordinates29.34645, -96.11346
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width163 ft (49.8 m)
Roadway width82 ft (25 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,353 (2023)
Projected traffic27,094 by 2042
Trucks38%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 over Baughman Slough built?

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

What condition is US 59 over Baughman Slough 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Baughman Slough carry?

About 19,353 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 38% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Baughman Slough?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 163 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Baughman Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.