US Bridges

SH 21 over Plum Creek

Fair

Hays County, Texas · 10.0 MI E of IH 35 · Structure no. 141060047102080

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
600 ft
15 main spans
Daily traffic
15,138
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Plum Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 21 over Plum Creek in Hays County, Texas. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 15,138 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,524 by 2042. The structure is 600 ft (182.9 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesPlum Creek
Location10.0 MI E of IH 35
RouteState Highway 21
CountyHays County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.95687, -97.78772
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans15
Design loadHS 20
Structure length600 ft (182.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,138 (2023)
Projected traffic24,524 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 SH 21 over Plum Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 21 over Plum 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 Plum Creek carry?

About 15,138 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Plum Creek?

The structure is 600 ft (182.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.