US Bridges

SH 71 over Branch Hill Creek

Fair

Fayette County, Texas · 6.90 MI E of FM 154 · Structure no. 130760026508027

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
13,898
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Branch Hill Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 over Branch Hill Creek in Fayette County, Texas. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1993, 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 13,898 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,790 by 2040. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 71
CrossesBranch Hill Creek
Location6.90 MI E of FM 154
RouteState Highway 71
CountyFayette County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.91221, -96.93012
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 inspectionApril 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 spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,898 (2020)
Projected traffic21,790 by 2040
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Branch Hill Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is SH 71 over Branch Hill 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SH 71 over Branch Hill Creek carry?

About 13,898 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Branch Hill Creek?

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

Who owns SH 71 over Branch Hill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.