US Bridges

IH 35 over 2nd Elm Creek Branch

Fair

La Salle County, Texas · 0.1 MI N of FM 133 · Structure no. 221420001801005

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1977
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,807
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 35 over 2nd Elm Creek Branch is a concrete culvert carrying IH 35 over 2nd Elm Creek Branch in La Salle County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1977, so it is 96 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 15,807 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,480 by 2033. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 509 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.1 mi (100 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 35
Crosses2nd Elm Creek Branch
Location0.1 MI N of FM 133
RouteInterstate 35
CountyLa Salle County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.28091, -99.28344
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width509 ft (155.1 m)
Roadway width144 ft (43.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,807 (2020)
Projected traffic22,480 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure9
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.1 mi (100 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 35 over 2nd Elm Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1977.

What condition is IH 35 over 2nd Elm Creek Branch 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does IH 35 over 2nd Elm Creek Branch carry?

About 15,807 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is IH 35 over 2nd Elm Creek Branch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 509 ft wide.

Who owns IH 35 over 2nd Elm Creek Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.