US Bridges

SH 21 over Big Creek

Fair

Houston County, Texas · 5.3 MI SW of SH 7 · Structure no. 111140011707050

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 1947
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
66 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,029
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Big Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 21 over Big Creek in Houston County, Texas. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 1947, so it is 102 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 3,029 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,420 by 2033. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesBig Creek
Location5.3 MI SW of SH 7
RouteState Highway 21
CountyHouston County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.26148, -95.54915
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 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 rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,029 (2024)
Projected traffic3,420 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 Big Creek built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1947.

What condition is SH 21 over Big 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 21 over Big Creek carry?

About 3,029 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Big Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.