US Bridges

SH 21 over Cedar Creek

Fair

Houston County, Texas · 1.8 MI NE of Loop 304 · Structure no. 111140011801001

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,302
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Cedar Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 21 over Cedar Creek in Houston County, Texas. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 97 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 2,302 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,750 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesCedar Creek
Location1.8 MI NE of Loop 304
RouteState Highway 21
CountyHouston County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.34108, -95.41306
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,302 (2019)
Projected traffic3,750 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Cedar Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is SH 21 over Cedar 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 Cedar Creek carry?

About 2,302 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Cedar Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Cedar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.