US Bridges

SH 21 over Brazos River Relief

Good

Brazos County, Texas · 0.35 MI W of FM 50 · Structure no. 170210011604043

Built
1971
54 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,154
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Brazos River Relief is a concrete culvert carrying SH 21 over Brazos River Relief in Brazos County, Texas. It was built in 1971 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 54 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 16,154 vehicles a day, projected to reach 18,480 by 2031. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 124 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

CarriesSH 21
CrossesBrazos River Relief
Location0.35 MI W of FM 50
RouteState Highway 21
StateTexas
Coordinates30.63686, -96.53861
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width124 ft (37.8 m)
Roadway width88 ft (26.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,154 (2020)
Projected traffic18,480 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 over Brazos River Relief built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is SH 21 over Brazos River Relief 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does SH 21 over Brazos River Relief carry?

About 16,154 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is SH 21 over Brazos River Relief?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 124 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Brazos River Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.