US Bridges

SH 35 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Matagorda County, Texas · 0.20 MI E of SH 60 · Structure no. 131580017904038

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1949
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
47 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,932
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 35 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 35 over Cottonwood Creek in Matagorda County, Texas. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1949, 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 14,932 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,565 by 2042. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 77 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 35
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location0.20 MI E of SH 60
RouteState Highway 35
CountyMatagorda County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.98308, -95.96664
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 inspectionNovember 2024
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 rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width77 ft (23.6 m)
Roadway width71 ft (21.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,932 (2023)
Projected traffic29,565 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 35 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1949.

What condition is SH 35 over Cottonwood 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SH 35 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 14,932 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SH 35 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 77 ft wide.

Who owns SH 35 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.