US Bridges

SH 21 over Porters Creek

Fair

Burleson County, Texas · 4.7 MI E of SH 36 · Structure no. 170260011603038

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,349
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Porters Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 21 over Porters Creek in Burleson County, Texas. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 57 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 16,349 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,812 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesPorters Creek
Location4.7 MI E of SH 36
RouteState Highway 21
CountyBurleson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.58224, -96.63482
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionAugust 2024
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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,349 (2023)
Projected traffic26,812 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Porters Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SH 21 over Porters Creek 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SH 21 over Porters Creek carry?

About 16,349 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Porters Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 21 over Porters Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.