US Bridges

SH 21 over Niciper Creek

Fair

San Augustine County, Texas · 0.10 MI E of FM 354 · Structure no. 112030011810048

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
41 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,225
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Niciper Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 21 over Niciper Creek in San Augustine County, Texas. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 89 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 1,225 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,715 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesNiciper Creek
Location0.10 MI E of FM 354
RouteState Highway 21
CountySan Augustine County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.51196, -94.23982
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width85 ft (25.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,225 (2020)
Projected traffic1,715 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$125,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 21 over Niciper Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is SH 21 over Niciper 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 21 over Niciper Creek carry?

About 1,225 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Niciper Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Niciper Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.