US Bridges

SH 171 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Hill County, Texas · 0.3 MI S of FM 934 · Structure no. 091100041803037

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
114 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,739
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 171 over Cottonwood Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 171 over Cottonwood Creek in Hill County, Texas. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 63 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 2,739 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,290 by 2039. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 171
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location0.3 MI S of FM 934
RouteState Highway 171
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.12281, -97.2219
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,739 (2020)
Projected traffic3,290 by 2039
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$800,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 171 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

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 January 2025.

How much traffic does SH 171 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 2,739 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is SH 171 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns SH 171 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.