US Bridges

SH 21 over Bracken Creek

Good

Houston County, Texas · 1.35 MI SW of FM 227 W · Structure no. 111140011802081

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,156
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Bracken Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 21 over Bracken Creek in Houston County, Texas. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,156 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,190 by 2033. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

CarriesSH 21
CrossesBracken Creek
Location1.35 MI SW of FM 227 W
RouteState Highway 21
StateTexas
Coordinates31.51075, -95.25842
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,156 (2019)
Projected traffic2,190 by 2033
Trucks13%
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 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 Bracken Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 21 over Bracken Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 21 over Bracken Creek carry?

About 1,156 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Bracken Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 21 over Bracken Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.