US Bridges

SH 21 over Middle Yegua Creek

Fair

Lee County, Texas · 3.9 MI E of US 77 · Structure no. 141440011601027

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
630 ft
18 main spans
Daily traffic
8,371
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Middle Yegua Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 21 over Middle Yegua Creek in Lee County, Texas. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 86 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 8,371 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,719 by 2042. The structure is 630 ft (192 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesMiddle Yegua Creek
Location3.9 MI E of US 77
RouteState Highway 21
CountyLee County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.34026, -96.90401
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans18
Design loadH 15
Structure length630 ft (192 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,371 (2023)
Projected traffic11,719 by 2042
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$75,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 21 over Middle Yegua Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is SH 21 over Middle Yegua 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SH 21 over Middle Yegua Creek carry?

About 8,371 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Middle Yegua Creek?

The structure is 630 ft (192 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Middle Yegua Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.