US Bridges

SH 21 over Draw

Fair

Hays County, Texas · 4.7 MI NE of SH 80 · Structure no. 141060047102065

Built
1944
81 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
12,325
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 21 over Draw in Hays County, Texas. It was built in 1944 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 81 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 12,325 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,255 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesDraw
Location4.7 MI NE of SH 80
RouteState Highway 21
CountyHays County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.91962, -97.8419
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,325 (2023)
Projected traffic17,255 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
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 Draw built?

It was built in 1944, making it 81 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is SH 21 over Draw 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 Draw carry?

About 12,325 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Draw?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.