US Bridges

SH 171 over Little Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Hill County, Texas · 3.1 MI SE of FM 308 · Structure no. 091100041802030

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
100 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,120
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 171 over Little Cottonwood Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 171 over Little Cottonwood Creek in Hill County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1966, 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 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 2,120 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,970 by 2033. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 171
CrossesLittle Cottonwood Creek
Location3.1 MI SE of FM 308
RouteState Highway 171
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.89547, -96.84879
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 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 closed6.8 mi (11 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$600,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 171 over Little Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is SH 171 over Little Cottonwood 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does SH 171 over Little Cottonwood Creek carry?

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

How long is SH 171 over Little Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 171 over Little Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.