US Bridges

SH 35 over Lavaca Bay

Fair

Calhoun County, Texas · At Port Lavaca N.C.L. · Structure no. 130290017910061

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
11,902 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,610
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 35 over Lavaca Bay is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 35 over Lavaca Bay in Calhoun County, Texas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 16,610 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,350 by 2033. The structure is 11,902 ft (3,627.7 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 37.9 mi (61 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 35
CrossesLavaca Bay
LocationAt Port Lavaca N.C.L.
RouteState Highway 35
CountyCalhoun County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.6492, -96.59949
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+194 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length11,902 ft (3,627.7 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.3 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,610 (2023)
Projected traffic14,350 by 2033
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed37.9 mi (61 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 35 over Lavaca Bay built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 35 over Lavaca Bay 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SH 35 over Lavaca Bay carry?

About 16,610 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is SH 35 over Lavaca Bay?

The structure is 11,902 ft (3,627.7 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns SH 35 over Lavaca Bay?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.