US Bridges

SH 71 S FR over Gravell Branch

Fair

Fayette County, Texas · 4.40 MI E of SH 159 · Structure no. 130760026601006

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,000
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 S FR over Gravell Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 S FR over Gravell Branch in Fayette County, Texas. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 98 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 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,400 by 2029. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 71 S FR
CrossesGravell Branch
Location4.40 MI E of SH 159
RouteState Highway 71
CountyFayette County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.89932, -96.79012
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2009)
Projected traffic1,400 by 2029
Trucks11%
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 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 S FR over Gravell Branch built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is SH 71 S FR over Gravell Branch 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 S FR over Gravell Branch carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 S FR over Gravell Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 S FR over Gravell Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.