US Bridges

SH 21 over Trinity River

Fair

Houston County, Texas · 3.1 MI SW of FM 2498 · Structure no. 111140011706067

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
3,667 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,868
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Trinity River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 21 over Trinity River in Houston County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 5 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 2,868 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,940 by 2033. The structure is 3,667 ft (1,117.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.2 mi (84 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesTrinity River
Location3.1 MI SW of FM 2498
RouteState Highway 21
CountyHouston County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.08001, -95.69811
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+106 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length3,667 ft (1,117.7 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,868 (2024)
Projected traffic3,940 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.2 mi (84 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$256,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 21 over Trinity River built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 21 over Trinity River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 21 over Trinity River carry?

About 2,868 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Trinity River?

The structure is 3,667 ft (1,117.7 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Trinity River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.