US Bridges

IH 35 Sbml over SH 85

Fair

Frio County, Texas · 0.90 MI S of FM 117 · Structure no. 150830001707289

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,882
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 35 Sbml over SH 85 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 35 Sbml over SH 85 in Frio County, Texas. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 12,882 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,120 by 2033. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 35 Sbml
CrossesSH 85
Location0.90 MI S of FM 117
RouteInterstate 35
CountyFrio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.66808, -99.18362
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,882 (2019)
Projected traffic15,120 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 35 Sbml over SH 85 built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 35 Sbml over SH 85 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 July 2022.

How much traffic does IH 35 Sbml over SH 85 carry?

About 12,882 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is IH 35 Sbml over SH 85?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns IH 35 Sbml over SH 85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.