US Bridges

Bu 71E over Colorado River

Good

Fayette County, Texas · 0.70 MI W of US 77 · Structure no. 130760026514150

Built
2022
3 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,400 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
9,241
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 71E over Colorado River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bu 71E over Colorado River in Fayette County, Texas. It was built in 2022, so it is 3 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 9,241 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,937 by 2040. The structure is 1,400 ft (426.7 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBu 71E
CrossesColorado River
Location0.70 MI W of US 77
RouteState Highway 71
CountyFayette County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.90098, -96.887
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+7 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length1,400 ft (426.7 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,241 (2020)
Projected traffic12,937 by 2040
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bu 71E over Colorado River built?

It was built in 2022, making it 3 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bu 71E over Colorado River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Bu 71E over Colorado River carry?

About 9,241 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Bu 71E over Colorado River?

The structure is 1,400 ft (426.7 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 71E over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.