US Bridges

Bu 59 S over Blue Creek Tributary

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 0.75 MI SW of US 59 · Structure no. 132410008915026

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,312
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 59 S over Blue Creek Tributary is a concrete culvert carrying Bu 59 S over Blue Creek Tributary in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 97 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 7,312 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,845 by 2021. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBu 59 S
CrossesBlue Creek Tributary
Location0.75 MI SW of US 59
RouteState Highway 59
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.20818, -96.24908
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
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width49 ft (15 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,312 (2021)
Projected traffic11,845 by 2021
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bu 59 S over Blue Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Bu 59 S over Blue Creek Tributary 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 S over Blue Creek Tributary carry?

About 7,312 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Bu 59 S over Blue Creek Tributary?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 59 S over Blue Creek Tributary?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.