US Bridges

SH 71 over Draw

Fair

Bastrop County, Texas · 7.9 MI E of SH 21/SH 95 · Structure no. 140110026505039

Built
1943
82 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,519
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 over Draw in Bastrop County, Texas. It was built in 1943 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 82 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 22,519 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,130 by 2042. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesSH 71
CrossesDraw
Location7.9 MI E of SH 21/SH 95
RouteState Highway 71
StateTexas
Coordinates30.05071, -97.19378
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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
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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,519 (2023)
Projected traffic35,130 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 71 over Draw built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SH 71 over Draw 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SH 71 over Draw carry?

About 22,519 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Draw?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns SH 71 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.