US Bridges

SH 36 over Lake Belton (leon River)

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 5.30 MI NW of SH 317 · Structure no. 090140018402049

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
3,840 ft
32 main spans
Daily traffic
7,664
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 36 over Lake Belton (leon River) is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 36 over Lake Belton (leon River) in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 years old, younger 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 5 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 7,664 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,730 by 2042. The structure is 3,840 ft (1,170.4 m) long and 84 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 36
CrossesLake Belton (leon River)
Location5.30 MI NW of SH 317
RouteState Highway 36
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.22311, -97.4724
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans32
Design loadHS 20
Structure length3,840 ft (1,170.4 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width84 ft (25.6 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,664 (2023)
Projected traffic10,730 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 36 over Lake Belton (leon River) built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 36 over Lake Belton (leon River) 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 2025.

How much traffic does SH 36 over Lake Belton (leon River) carry?

About 7,664 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 36 over Lake Belton (leon River)?

The structure is 3,840 ft (1,170.4 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 84 ft wide.

Who owns SH 36 over Lake Belton (leon River)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.