US Bridges

SH 35 over East River Canal

Good

Matagorda County, Texas · 1.60 MI W of SH 60 · Structure no. 131580017904060

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2007
Condition
Good
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
61 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,897
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 35 over East River Canal is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 35 over East River Canal in Matagorda County, Texas. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2007, so it is 64 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 14,897 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,700 by 2033. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 125 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

CarriesSH 35
CrossesEast River Canal
Location1.60 MI W of SH 60
RouteState Highway 35
StateTexas
Coordinates28.98346, -95.99586
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width125 ft (38.2 m)
Roadway width123 ft (37.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,897 (2019)
Projected traffic12,700 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 East River Canal built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2007.

What condition is SH 35 over East River Canal 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does SH 35 over East River Canal carry?

About 14,897 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SH 35 over East River Canal?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 125 ft wide.

Who owns SH 35 over East River Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.