US Bridges

SH 21 over Yellow Creek

Fair

Nacogdoches County, Texas · 10.0 MI W of US 59 · Structure no. 111740011806018

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,864
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Yellow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 21 over Yellow Creek in Nacogdoches County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 91 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 2,864 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,010 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesYellow Creek
Location10.0 MI W of US 59
RouteState Highway 21
CountyNacogdoches County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.66341, -94.84273
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum 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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,864 (2020)
Projected traffic4,010 by 2040
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Yellow Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is SH 21 over Yellow 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SH 21 over Yellow Creek carry?

About 2,864 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Yellow Creek?

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

Who owns SH 21 over Yellow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.