US Bridges

SH 35 NB over West Canal

Fair

Matagorda County, Texas · 2.65 MI W of SH 60 · Structure no. 131580017906057

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,498
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 35 NB over West Canal is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 35 NB over West Canal in Matagorda County, Texas. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1971, 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 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 12,498 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,497 by 2041. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 35 NB
CrossesWest Canal
Location2.65 MI W of SH 60
RouteState Highway 35
CountyMatagorda County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.98434, -96.0134
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum 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

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,498 (2021)
Projected traffic17,497 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 NB over West Canal built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is SH 35 NB over West 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 NB over West Canal carry?

About 12,498 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SH 35 NB over West Canal?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns SH 35 NB over West Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.