US Bridges

Bu 59 over Blue Creek

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 1.40 MI SW of US 59 · Structure no. 132410008915070

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,398
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 59 over Blue Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Bu 59 over Blue Creek in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 7,398 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,985 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBu 59
CrossesBlue Creek
Location1.40 MI SW of US 59
RouteState Highway 59
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.20388, -96.25835
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width75 ft (23 m)
Roadway width63 ft (19.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,398 (2023)
Projected traffic11,985 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 over Blue Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

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

About 7,398 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Bu 59 over Blue Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 59 over Blue Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.