US Bridges

Bu 59R SB over Colorado River

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 0.25 MI S of SH 60 · Structure no. 132410008910039

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
1,127 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,796
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 59R SB over Colorado River is a steel truss - thru carrying Bu 59R SB over Colorado River in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 95 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 5 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 2,796 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,915 by 2042. The structure is 1,127 ft (343.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBu 59R SB
CrossesColorado River
Location0.25 MI S of SH 60
RouteState Highway 59
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.30816, -96.10392
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+22 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length1,127 ft (343.5 m)
Longest span320 ft (97.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,796 (2023)
Projected traffic3,915 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$56,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bu 59R SB over Colorado River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is Bu 59R SB over Colorado River 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Bu 59R SB over Colorado River carry?

About 2,796 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Bu 59R SB over Colorado River?

The structure is 1,127 ft (343.5 m) long with a longest span of 320 ft (97.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 59R SB over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.