US Bridges

IH 35 Sbml over Medina River

Fair

Bexar County, Texas · 2.50 MI S of IH 410 · Structure no. 150150001702101

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1974
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
681 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26,506
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 35 Sbml over Medina River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 35 Sbml over Medina River in Bexar County, Texas. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1974, so it is 70 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 26,506 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,109 by 2042. The structure is 681 ft (207.6 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 35 Sbml
CrossesMedina River
Location2.50 MI S of IH 410
RouteInterstate 35
CountyBexar County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.29269, -98.63872
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+6 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length681 ft (207.6 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,506 (2022)
Projected traffic37,109 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 IH 35 Sbml over Medina River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1974.

What condition is IH 35 Sbml over Medina 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does IH 35 Sbml over Medina River carry?

About 26,506 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is IH 35 Sbml over Medina River?

The structure is 681 ft (207.6 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns IH 35 Sbml over Medina River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.