US Bridges

SH 35 over Mills Bayou

Fair

Brazoria County, Texas · 2.90 MI SW of FM 521 · Structure no. 120200017902077

Built
1991
34 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17,149
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 35 over Mills Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying SH 35 over Mills Bayou in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1991 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 34 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 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 17,149 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,870 by 2033. The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 35
CrossesMills Bayou
Location2.90 MI SW of FM 521
RouteState Highway 35
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.1423, -95.55995
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,149 (2023)
Projected traffic7,870 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 35 over Mills Bayou built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is SH 35 over Mills 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 Mills Bayou carry?

About 17,149 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 35 over Mills Bayou?

The structure is 26 ft (8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 35 over Mills Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.