US Bridges

SH 36 over Elm Slough

Fair

Austin County, Texas · 0.20 MI NW of FM 1952 · Structure no. 130080018704012

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,538
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 36 over Elm Slough is a concrete culvert carrying SH 36 over Elm Slough in Austin County, Texas. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 100 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 5,538 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,270 by 2038. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 36
CrossesElm Slough
Location0.20 MI NW of FM 1952
RouteState Highway 36
CountyAustin County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.62793, -96.057
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 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 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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width49 ft (15 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,538 (2020)
Projected traffic6,270 by 2038
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Elm Slough built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is SH 36 over Elm Slough 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 SH 36 over Elm Slough carry?

About 5,538 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is SH 36 over Elm Slough?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns SH 36 over Elm Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.