US Bridges

SH 36 over Sweetwater Creek

Fair

Comanche County, Texas · 0.20 MI SE of FM 589 · Structure no. 230470018202004

Built
1943
82 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,809
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 36 over Sweetwater Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 36 over Sweetwater Creek in Comanche County, Texas. It was built in 1943 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 82 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 1,809 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,390 by 2033. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 36
CrossesSweetwater Creek
Location0.20 MI SE of FM 589
RouteState Highway 36
CountyComanche County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.95836, -98.674
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width46 ft (13.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,809 (2020)
Projected traffic3,390 by 2033
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 36 over Sweetwater Creek built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is SH 36 over Sweetwater Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SH 36 over Sweetwater Creek carry?

About 1,809 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is SH 36 over Sweetwater Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns SH 36 over Sweetwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.