US Bridges

SH 71 over Rocky Creek

Fair

Colorado County, Texas · 2.7 MI NW of FM 1890 · Structure no. 130450026602016

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,575
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Rocky Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 over Rocky Creek in Colorado County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 94 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 8,575 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,577 by 2041. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 71
CrossesRocky Creek
Location2.7 MI NW of FM 1890
RouteState Highway 71
CountyColorado County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.77055, -96.6296
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 inspectionMarch 2023
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 length33 ft (10.1 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 traffic8,575 (2021)
Projected traffic14,577 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 Rocky Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SH 71 over Rocky 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 2023.

How much traffic does SH 71 over Rocky Creek carry?

About 8,575 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Rocky Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 71 over Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.