US Bridges

Bu 59 R NB over KCS RR

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 0.60 MI S of SH 60 · Structure no. 132410008910064

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,711
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 59 R NB over KCS RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bu 59 R NB over KCS RR in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 2,711 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,307 by 2041. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBu 59 R NB
CrossesKCS RR
Location0.60 MI S of SH 60
RouteState Highway 59
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.30389, -96.10499
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,711 (2021)
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$13,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Bu 59 R NB over KCS RR built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

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

About 2,711 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Bu 59 R NB over KCS RR?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 59 R NB over KCS RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.