US Bridges

SH 21 over IH 45

Fair

Madison County, Texas · 4.05 MI SE of SH 75 · Structure no. 171540067505200

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
232 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,064
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over IH 45 is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying SH 21 over IH 45 in Madison County, Texas. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 61 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 6,064 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,795 by 2041. The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long and 84 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesIH 45
Location4.05 MI SE of SH 75
RouteU.S. Route 21
CountyMadison County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.96564, -95.88291
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length232 ft (70.7 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width84 ft (25.6 m)
Roadway width70 ft (21.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,064 (2023)
Projected traffic17,795 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 21 over IH 45 built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

What condition is SH 21 over IH 45 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 IH 45 carry?

About 6,064 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over IH 45?

The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 84 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over IH 45?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.