US Bridges

Bu 59 R SB over KCS RR

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 0.60 MI S of SH 60 · Structure no. 132410008910038

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Other
Steel
Length
143 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,003
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 59 R SB over KCS RR is a steel other carrying Bu 59 R SB over KCS RR in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 3,003 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,307 by 2041. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBu 59 R SB
CrossesKCS RR
Location0.60 MI S of SH 60
RouteState Highway 59
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.30411, -96.10506
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeOther
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+4 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,003 (2024)
Projected traffic3,307 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$9,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Bu 59 R SB over KCS RR built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bu 59 R SB over KCS RR 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 SB over KCS RR carry?

About 3,003 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Bu 59 R SB over KCS RR?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 59 R SB over KCS RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.