US Bridges

Bu 59R NB over Colorado River

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 0.25 MI S of SH 60 · Structure no. 132410008910065

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,124 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,796
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 59R NB over Colorado River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bu 59R NB over Colorado River 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 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 1,124 ft (342.6 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBu 59R NB
CrossesColorado River
Location0.25 MI S of SH 60
RouteState Highway 59
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.3078, -96.10377
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+9 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,124 ft (342.6 m)
Longest span165 ft (50.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$79,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bu 59R NB over Colorado River built?

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

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

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

How long is Bu 59R NB over Colorado River?

The structure is 1,124 ft (342.6 m) long with a longest span of 165 ft (50.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 59R NB over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.