US Bridges

IH 35 over Cottonwood Creek

Good

McLennan County, Texas · 0.6 MI N of SH 6 · Structure no. 091610001501003

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
75 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
70,801
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 35 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete culvert carrying IH 35 over Cottonwood Creek in McLennan County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 94 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 70,801 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 115,920 by 2037. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesIH 35
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location0.6 MI N of SH 6
RouteInterstate 35
CountyMcLennan County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.50123, -97.14627
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70,801 (2020)
Projected traffic115,920 by 2037
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure12
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$500,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 35 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is IH 35 over Cottonwood Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does IH 35 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 70,801 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is IH 35 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns IH 35 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.