US Bridges

SH 21 over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Lee County, Texas · 0.85 MI E Bastrop C/L · Structure no. 141440047302006

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,158
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 21 over Drainage Ditch in Lee County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 76 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 7,158 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,430 by 2039. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location0.85 MI E Bastrop C/L
RouteState Highway 21
CountyLee County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.23214, -97.06039
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 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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.7 m)
Roadway width49 ft (14.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,158 (2023)
Projected traffic8,430 by 2039
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 21 over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is SH 21 over Drainage Ditch 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 Drainage Ditch carry?

About 7,158 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.