US Bridges

SH 21 over Pooles Creek

Fair

Madison County, Texas · 1.25 MI NE of IH 45 · Structure no. 171540011705030

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
70 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,991
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Pooles Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 21 over Pooles Creek in Madison County, Texas. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 98 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 5 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 4,991 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,184 by 2039. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesPooles Creek
Location1.25 MI NE of IH 45
RouteState Highway 21
CountyMadison County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.97345, -95.86342
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (6.9 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,991 (2020)
Projected traffic7,184 by 2039
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 Pooles Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is SH 21 over Pooles 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SH 21 over Pooles Creek carry?

About 4,991 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Pooles Creek?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (6.9 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Pooles Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.