US Bridges

SH 21 over Meisenheimer Branch

Fair

Lee County, Texas · 10.3 MI E of US 77 · Structure no. 141440011601031

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,407
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Meisenheimer Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 21 over Meisenheimer Branch 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 8,407 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,593 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesMeisenheimer Branch
Location10.3 MI E of US 77
RouteState Highway 21
CountyLee County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.40021, -96.82343
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 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 evaluation5: 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 typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,407 (2023)
Projected traffic10,593 by 2042
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 Meisenheimer Branch built?

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

What condition is SH 21 over Meisenheimer Branch 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 Meisenheimer Branch carry?

About 8,407 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Meisenheimer Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns SH 21 over Meisenheimer Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.