US Bridges

CR 971 over Rocky Branch

Poor

Freestone County, Texas · 1.5 MI W of FM 1366 · Structure no. 170820AA0291002

Built
2013
12 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2013 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 971 over Rocky Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 971 over Rocky Branch in Freestone County, Texas. It was built in 2013, so it is 12 years old, younger than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 2 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2033. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 971
CrossesRocky Branch
Location1.5 MI W of FM 1366
RouteCounty Highway 971
CountyFreestone County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.74511, -96.39419
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2013)
Projected traffic100 by 2033
Trucks0%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 CR 971 over Rocky Branch built?

It was built in 2013, making it 12 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 971 over Rocky Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does CR 971 over Rocky Branch carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2013 count).

How long is CR 971 over Rocky Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns CR 971 over Rocky Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.