US Bridges

SH 171 over Post Oak Creek

Fair

Hill County, Texas · 3.2 MI NW of SH 31 · Structure no. 091100041802033

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,545
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 171 over Post Oak Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 171 over Post Oak Creek 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 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 2,545 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,500 by 2033. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 171
CrossesPost Oak Creek
Location3.2 MI NW of SH 31
RouteState Highway 171
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.88328, -96.83202
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,545 (2020)
Projected traffic3,500 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$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 171 over Post Oak Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 171 over Post Oak 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 Post Oak Creek carry?

About 2,545 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 171 over Post Oak Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 171 over Post Oak Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.