US Bridges

SH 71 WB over Baylor Creek

Good

Fayette County, Texas · 5.30 MI SE of SH 159 · Structure no. 130760026601054

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
172 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,302
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 WB over Baylor Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 71 WB over Baylor Creek in Fayette County, Texas. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 6,302 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,040 by 2033. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesSH 71 WB
CrossesBaylor Creek
Location5.30 MI SE of SH 159
RouteState Highway 71
StateTexas
Coordinates29.89784, -96.7758
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,302 (2020)
Projected traffic8,040 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 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 SH 71 WB over Baylor Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 71 WB over Baylor 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 Baylor Creek carry?

About 6,302 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 WB over Baylor Creek?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 WB over Baylor Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.