US Bridges

SH 21/SH 71 over Colorado River

Fair

Bastrop County, Texas · 0.9 MI W of SH 95 · Structure no. 140110026504052

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,202 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
52,109
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21/SH 71 over Colorado River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 21/SH 71 over Colorado River in Bastrop County, Texas. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 67 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 52,109 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 58,940 by 2032. The structure is 1,202 ft (366.4 m) long and 82 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 21/SH 71
CrossesColorado River
Location0.9 MI W of SH 95
RouteState Highway 71
CountyBastrop County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.10484, -97.31927
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating32.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+9 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,202 ft (366.4 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width82 ft (25 m)
Roadway width78 ft (23.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic52,109 (2021)
Projected traffic58,940 by 2032
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 21/SH 71 over Colorado River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is SH 21/SH 71 over Colorado River 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SH 21/SH 71 over Colorado River carry?

About 52,109 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SH 21/SH 71 over Colorado River?

The structure is 1,202 ft (366.4 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 82 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21/SH 71 over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.