US Bridges

SH 171 over May Branch

Good

Hill County, Texas · 2.7 MI SE of FM 308 · Structure no. 091100041802029

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,120
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 171 over May Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 171 over May Branch in Hill County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 85 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 2,120 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,970 by 2033. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 171
CrossesMay Branch
Location2.7 MI SE of FM 308
RouteState Highway 171
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.89929, -96.85561
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,120 (2013)
Projected traffic2,970 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 171 over May Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is SH 171 over May Branch 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does SH 171 over May Branch carry?

About 2,120 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 171 over May Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns SH 171 over May Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.