US Bridges

FM 71 over Merritts Creek

Fair

Hopkins County, Texas · 2.70 MI NE of FM 2653 · Structure no. 011130054604006

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
394
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 71 over Merritts Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 71 over Merritts Creek in Hopkins County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 394 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 610 by 2033. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 71
CrossesMerritts Creek
Location2.70 MI NE of FM 2653
RouteState Highway 71
CountyHopkins County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.25433, -95.72935
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic394 (2020)
Projected traffic610 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 71 over Merritts Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 71 over Merritts 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 FM 71 over Merritts Creek carry?

About 394 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is FM 71 over Merritts Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns FM 71 over Merritts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.