US Bridges

FM 421 over Black Creek

Fair

Hardin County, Texas · 2.70 MI E of SH 326 · Structure no. 201010081303025

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
212 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,623
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 421 over Black Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 421 over Black Creek in Hardin County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 1,623 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,570 by 2033. The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 421
CrossesBlack Creek
Location2.70 MI E of SH 326
RouteState Highway 421
CountyHardin County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.20694, -94.34498
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length212 ft (64.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,623 (2022)
Projected traffic1,570 by 2033
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$13,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 421 over Black Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 421 over Black 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does FM 421 over Black Creek carry?

About 1,623 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is FM 421 over Black Creek?

The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 421 over Black Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.