US Bridges

SH 121 Bus over Elm Fk Trinity Riv W Rel

Fair

Denton County, Texas · 2.05 MI NE of IH 35E · Structure no. 180610036403016

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
250 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
40,866
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 121 Bus over Elm Fk Trinity Riv W Rel is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 121 Bus over Elm Fk Trinity Riv W Rel in Denton County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 76 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 40,866 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 54,110 by 2033. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 86 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

CarriesSH 121 Bus
CrossesElm Fk Trinity Riv W Rel
Location2.05 MI NE of IH 35E
RouteState Highway 121
StateTexas
Coordinates33.04542, -96.96448
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width86 ft (26.2 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40,866 (2023)
Projected traffic54,110 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
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 121 Bus over Elm Fk Trinity Riv W Rel built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SH 121 Bus over Elm Fk Trinity Riv W Rel 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SH 121 Bus over Elm Fk Trinity Riv W Rel carry?

About 40,866 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SH 121 Bus over Elm Fk Trinity Riv W Rel?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 86 ft wide.

Who owns SH 121 Bus over Elm Fk Trinity Riv W Rel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.