US Bridges

SH 35 over Chocolate Bayou

Fair

Brazoria County, Texas · 0.50 MI SW of FM 2917 · Structure no. 120200017803023

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
241 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
12,487
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 35 over Chocolate Bayou is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 35 over Chocolate Bayou in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 88 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 12,487 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,950 by 2033. The structure is 241 ft (73.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 35
CrossesChocolate Bayou
Location0.50 MI SW of FM 2917
RouteState Highway 35
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.3359, -95.28458
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length241 ft (73.6 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,487 (2024)
Projected traffic13,950 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$168,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 35 over Chocolate Bayou built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is SH 35 over Chocolate Bayou 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SH 35 over Chocolate Bayou carry?

About 12,487 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SH 35 over Chocolate Bayou?

The structure is 241 ft (73.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SH 35 over Chocolate Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.