US Bridges

SH 21 over Alto Branch

Good

Cherokee County, Texas · 0.60 MI E of US 69 · Structure no. 100370011805063

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,728
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Alto Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 21 over Alto Branch in Cherokee County, Texas. It was built in 1958, 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 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 3,728 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,219 by 2041. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesAlto Branch
Location0.60 MI E of US 69
RouteState Highway 21
CountyCherokee County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.65264, -95.06274
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum 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 spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,728 (2021)
Projected traffic5,219 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 21 over Alto Branch built?

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

What condition is SH 21 over Alto Branch 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does SH 21 over Alto Branch carry?

About 3,728 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Alto Branch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Alto Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.