US Bridges

SH 21 over Hurricane Bayou

Fair

Houston County, Texas · 3.6 MI NE of Loop 304 · Structure no. 111140011801002

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
67 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,785
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Hurricane Bayou is a concrete slab carrying SH 21 over Hurricane Bayou 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 1,785 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,480 by 2033. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesHurricane Bayou
Location3.6 MI NE of Loop 304
RouteState Highway 21
CountyHouston County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.36245, -95.39484
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
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,785 (2024)
Projected traffic2,480 by 2033
Trucks12%
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 Hurricane Bayou built?

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

What condition is SH 21 over Hurricane Bayou 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 Hurricane Bayou carry?

About 1,785 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Hurricane Bayou?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Hurricane Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.