US Bridges

SH 21 over Cedar Lake Branch

Fair

Madison County, Texas · 1.9 MI NE of FM 247 · Structure no. 171540011705036

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,072
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Cedar Lake Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 21 over Cedar Lake Branch in Madison County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 95 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 3,072 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,994 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesCedar Lake Branch
Location1.9 MI NE of FM 247
RouteState Highway 21
CountyMadison County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.04675, -95.73021
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width52 ft (16 m)
Roadway width46 ft (13.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,072 (2021)
Projected traffic3,994 by 2041
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 Cedar Lake Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is SH 21 over Cedar Lake 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SH 21 over Cedar Lake Branch carry?

About 3,072 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Cedar Lake Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Cedar Lake Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.