US Bridges

SH 35 over Markham Irrigation Canal

Fair

Matagorda County, Texas · 5.70 MI W of SH 60 · Structure no. 131580017906025

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
12,099
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 35 over Markham Irrigation Canal is a concrete culvert carrying SH 35 over Markham Irrigation Canal in Matagorda County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 95 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 12,099 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,140 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 123 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 35
CrossesMarkham Irrigation Canal
Location5.70 MI W of SH 60
RouteState Highway 35
CountyMatagorda County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.95861, -96.05308
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width123 ft (37.5 m)
Roadway width87 ft (26.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,099 (2020)
Projected traffic12,140 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$5,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 35 over Markham Irrigation Canal built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is SH 35 over Markham Irrigation Canal 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does SH 35 over Markham Irrigation Canal carry?

About 12,099 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 35 over Markham Irrigation Canal?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 123 ft wide.

Who owns SH 35 over Markham Irrigation Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.