US Bridges

SH 36 over Flat Branch

Fair

Austin County, Texas · 1.44 MI S of FM 2429 · Structure no. 130080018702002

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,661
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 36 over Flat Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 36 over Flat Branch in Austin County, Texas. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 98 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 7,661 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,900 by 2033. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 214 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 36
CrossesFlat Branch
Location1.44 MI S of FM 2429
RouteState Highway 36
CountyAustin County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.90865, -96.22905
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionFebruary 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width214 ft (65.3 m)
Roadway width92 ft (28 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,661 (2020)
Projected traffic8,900 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 SH 36 over Flat Branch built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is SH 36 over Flat Branch 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 36 over Flat Branch carry?

About 7,661 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SH 36 over Flat Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 214 ft wide.

Who owns SH 36 over Flat Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.