US Bridges

Bu 71 F over Colorado River

Fair

Colorado County, Texas · 0.50 MI N of US 90 · Structure no. 130450026608043

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
1,042 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,741
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 71 F over Colorado River is a steel truss - thru carrying Bu 71 F over Colorado River in Colorado County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 76 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 5,741 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,004 by 2041. The structure is 1,042 ft (317.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBu 71 F
CrossesColorado River
Location0.50 MI N of US 90
RouteState Highway 71
CountyColorado County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.71326, -96.54745
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+7 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,042 ft (317.6 m)
Longest span225 ft (68.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,741 (2021)
Projected traffic7,004 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$68,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bu 71 F over Colorado River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is Bu 71 F over Colorado River 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 Colorado River carry?

About 5,741 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Bu 71 F over Colorado River?

The structure is 1,042 ft (317.6 m) long with a longest span of 225 ft (68.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 71 F over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.