US Bridges

SH 71 WB over Rocky Creek

Good

Fayette County, Texas · 2.50 MI E of SH 159 · Structure no. 130760026601004

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
128 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,650
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 WB over Rocky Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 71 WB over Rocky Creek in Fayette County, Texas. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 93 years old, older 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 5,650 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,910 by 2033. The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesSH 71 WB
CrossesRocky Creek
Location2.50 MI E of SH 159
RouteState Highway 71
StateTexas
Coordinates29.90102, -96.81991
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length128 ft (39 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,650 (2013)
Projected traffic7,910 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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 WB over Rocky Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is SH 71 WB over Rocky Creek 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SH 71 WB over Rocky Creek carry?

About 5,650 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 WB over Rocky Creek?

The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 WB over Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.