US Bridges

Bu 71 F over Draw

Fair

Colorado County, Texas · 1.10 MI NW of FM 109 · Structure no. 130450026608020

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,443
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 71 F over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying Bu 71 F over Draw in Colorado County, Texas. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 67 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 2,443 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,420 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesBu 71 F
CrossesDraw
Location1.10 MI NW of FM 109
RouteState Highway 71
StateTexas
Coordinates29.72649, -96.56915
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum 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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,443 (2021)
Projected traffic3,420 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
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 Bu 71 F over Draw built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is Bu 71 F 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 Bu 71 F over Draw carry?

About 2,443 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Bu 71 F over Draw?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 71 F over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.