US Bridges

SH 36 over Bullinger Creek

Fair

Austin County, Texas · 2.90 MI S of FM 331 · Structure no. 130080018703008

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
80 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,368
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 36 over Bullinger Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 36 over Bullinger Creek in Austin County, Texas. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 93 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 14,368 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,160 by 2033. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 36
CrossesBullinger Creek
Location2.90 MI S of FM 331
RouteState Highway 36
CountyAustin County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.79911, -96.16171
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width67 ft (20.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,368 (2024)
Projected traffic13,160 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 Bullinger Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is SH 36 over Bullinger 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 36 over Bullinger Creek carry?

About 14,368 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 36 over Bullinger Creek?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns SH 36 over Bullinger Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.