SH 71 over Mckenzie Creek

Fair

Colorado County, Texas · 4.70 MI S of IH 10 · Structure no. 130450026603026

Built: 1933; 92 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition: Fair; inspected March 2023
Type: Culvert; Concrete
Length: 27 ft; 3 main spans
Daily traffic: 7,608; 2021 count
Owner: State; State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Mckenzie Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 over Mckenzie Creek in Colorado County, Texas. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 2018, so it is 92 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 7,608 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,694 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 71

CrossesMckenzie Creek

Location4.70 MI S of IH 10

RouteState Highway 71

CountyColorado County

StateTexas

Coordinates29.63307, -96.50752

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.

Component	Rating	Meaning
Channel and channel protection	7 Good	Some minor problems.
Culvert	6 Satisfactory	Structural elements show some minor deterioration.

Last inspectionMarch 2023

Inspection intervalevery 24 months

Operating statusOpen, no restriction

ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing

Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria

Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria

Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria

Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria

Operating rating36 US tons

Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert

MaterialConcrete

DeckConcrete, cast-in-place

Main spans3

Design loadUnknown

Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)

Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)

Deck width61 ft (18.7 m)

Roadway width59 ft (18 m)

Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,608 (2021)

Projected traffic13,694 by 2041

Trucks24%

Lanes on structure3

Traffic directionTwo-way traffic

CarriesHighway

CrossesWaterway

Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 71 over Mckenzie Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2018.

What condition is SH 71 over Mckenzie 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 Mckenzie Creek carry?

About 7,608 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Mckenzie Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 over Mckenzie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.