US Bridges

FM 421 over Lower Rocky Creek

Fair

Hardin County, Texas · 5.00 MI W of US 69 · Structure no. 201010081303031

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,711
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 421 over Lower Rocky Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 421 over Lower Rocky Creek in Hardin County, Texas. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 1,711 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,880 by 2033. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

CarriesFM 421
CrossesLower Rocky Creek
Location5.00 MI W of US 69
RouteState Highway 421
StateTexas
Coordinates30.21498, -94.28373
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,711 (2020)
Projected traffic1,880 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 421 over Lower Rocky Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 421 over Lower Rocky 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 Lower Rocky Creek carry?

About 1,711 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 421 over Lower Rocky Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns FM 421 over Lower Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.