US Bridges

SH 171 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Hill County, Texas · 3.2 MI SE of FM 308 · Structure no. 091100041802031

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
180 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
3,307
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 171 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete slab carrying SH 171 over 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 5 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 3,307 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,167 by 2042. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 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
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location3.2 MI SE of FM 308
RouteState Highway 171
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.89476, -96.84781
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; extensive scour has occurred
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans9
Design loadH 15
Structure length180 ft (54.9 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 traffic3,307 (2023)
Projected traffic4,167 by 2042
Trucks15%
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$1.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 171 over 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 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SH 171 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 3,307 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 171 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 171 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.