US Bridges

Bu 59 R over Colorado River Relief

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 0.65 MI NE of FM 961 · Structure no. 132410008910033

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1948
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,164
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 59 R over Colorado River Relief is a concrete culvert carrying Bu 59 R over Colorado River Relief in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1948, so it is 92 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 5,164 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,300 by 2041. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesBu 59 R
CrossesColorado River Relief
Location0.65 MI NE of FM 961
RouteState Highway 59
StateTexas
Coordinates29.28644, -96.12314
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,164 (2021)
Projected traffic6,300 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bu 59 R over Colorado River Relief built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1948.

What condition is Bu 59 R over Colorado River Relief 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 Bu 59 R over Colorado River Relief carry?

About 5,164 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Bu 59 R over Colorado River Relief?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 59 R over Colorado River Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.