US Bridges

US 59 over Bu 59

Good

Wharton County, Texas · 1.16 MI N of FM 1161 · Structure no. 132410008908239

Built
2023
2 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
300 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
27,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 59 over Bu 59 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 59 over Bu 59 in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 2023, so it is 2 years old, younger 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 9 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 27,000 vehicles a day, roughly 27% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,180 by 2042. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 124 ft wide.

CarriesUS 59
CrossesBu 59
Location1.16 MI N of FM 1161
RouteU.S. Route 59
StateTexas
Coordinates29.40719, -96.06414
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
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width124 ft (37.8 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,000 (2022)
Projected traffic36,180 by 2042
Trucks27%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 59 over Bu 59 built?

It was built in 2023, making it 2 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 59 over Bu 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 59 over Bu 59 carry?

About 27,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 27% are trucks.

How long is US 59 over Bu 59?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 124 ft wide.

Who owns US 59 over Bu 59?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.