US Bridges

SH 21 over Snake Creek

Fair

Hays County, Texas · 1.5 MI N of SH 80 · Structure no. 141060047102047

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
61 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
12,768
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Snake Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 21 over Snake Creek in Hays County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 85 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 12,768 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,109 by 2042. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 84 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesSnake Creek
Location1.5 MI N of SH 80
RouteState Highway 21
CountyHays County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.89175, -97.88329
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width84 ft (25.6 m)
Roadway width71 ft (21.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,768 (2023)
Projected traffic17,109 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Snake Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is SH 21 over Snake 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SH 21 over Snake Creek carry?

About 12,768 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Snake Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 84 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Snake Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.