US Bridges

SH 36 over Little Bear Creek

Fair

Hamilton County, Texas · 5.0 MI NW of US 281 · Structure no. 090980018302050

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
162 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,713
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 36 over Little Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 36 over Little Bear Creek in Hamilton County, Texas. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 78 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 1,713 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,351 by 2039. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 36
CrossesLittle Bear Creek
Location5.0 MI NW of US 281
RouteState Highway 36
CountyHamilton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.75802, -98.17598
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 inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,713 (2020)
Projected traffic2,351 by 2039
Trucks36%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 36 over Little Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is SH 36 over Little Bear 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does SH 36 over Little Bear Creek carry?

About 1,713 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is SH 36 over Little Bear Creek?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 36 over Little Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.