US Bridges

SH 35 over Heardsdale Slough

Fair

Refugio County, Texas · 4.3 MI N of FM 774 · Structure no. 161960018002017

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
4,415
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 35 over Heardsdale Slough is a concrete culvert carrying SH 35 over Heardsdale Slough in Refugio County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1983, 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 4,415 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,064 by 2042. The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 35
CrossesHeardsdale Slough
Location4.3 MI N of FM 774
RouteState Highway 35
CountyRefugio County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.38338, -96.91194
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.8 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,415 (2022)
Projected traffic7,064 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Heardsdale Slough built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is SH 35 over Heardsdale Slough 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 35 over Heardsdale Slough carry?

About 4,415 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH 35 over Heardsdale Slough?

The structure is 45 ft (13.8 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns SH 35 over Heardsdale Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.