US Bridges

SH 71 over Draw

Fair

Colorado County, Texas · 0.70 MI NW of US 90A · Structure no. 130450026603028

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 2018
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,030
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 over Draw 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 8,030 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,330 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 67 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesSH 71
CrossesDraw
Location0.70 MI NW of US 90A
RouteState Highway 71
StateTexas
Coordinates29.5774, -96.47171
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 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 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 spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.5 m)
Roadway width57 ft (17.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,030 (2021)
Projected traffic13,330 by 2041
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Draw built?

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

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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SH 71 over Draw carry?

About 8,030 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Draw?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.