US Bridges

SH 71 over Ross Creek

Fair

Fayette County, Texas · 0.86 MI NW of FM 955 · Structure no. 130760026601009

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
55 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
10,193
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Ross Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 over Ross Creek in Fayette County, Texas. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 99 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 10,193 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,090 by 2033. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 71
CrossesRoss Creek
Location0.86 MI NW of FM 955
RouteState Highway 71
CountyFayette County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.86225, -96.73924
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 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 evaluation5: 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,193 (2020)
Projected traffic16,090 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 over Ross Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is SH 71 over Ross 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 Ross Creek carry?

About 10,193 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Ross Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 71 over Ross Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.