US Bridges

SH 71 over Ellinger Branch

Fair

Fayette County, Texas · 1.50 MI SE of FM 955 · Structure no. 130760026601011

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,266
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Ellinger Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 over Ellinger Branch 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 10,266 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,240 by 2033. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 187 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 71
CrossesEllinger Branch
Location1.50 MI SE of FM 955
RouteState Highway 71
CountyFayette County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.83767, -96.71183
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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width187 ft (56.9 m)
Roadway width90 ft (27.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,266 (2020)
Projected traffic16,240 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-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 over Ellinger Branch built?

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

What condition is SH 71 over Ellinger 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 over Ellinger Branch carry?

About 10,266 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Ellinger Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 187 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 over Ellinger Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.