US Bridges

SH 21 over West Yegua Creek

Fair

Lee County, Texas · 0.9 MI W of US 77 · Structure no. 141440047302005

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
280 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
6,124
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over West Yegua Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 21 over West Yegua Creek in Lee County, Texas. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 84 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 6,124 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,308 by 2042. The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesWest Yegua Creek
Location0.9 MI W of US 77
RouteState Highway 21
CountyLee County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.29193, -96.96056
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 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 rating53 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length280 ft (85.3 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,124 (2023)
Projected traffic9,308 by 2042
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$34,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 21 over West Yegua Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is SH 21 over West 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 West Yegua Creek carry?

About 6,124 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over West Yegua Creek?

The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over West Yegua Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.