US Bridges

SH 171 over Trib of Buffalo Creek

Fair

Johnson County, Texas · 1.3 MI SE of SH 174 · Structure no. 021270001902040

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,568
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 171 over Trib of Buffalo Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 171 over Trib of Buffalo Creek in Johnson County, Texas. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 7,568 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,770 by 2038. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 171
CrossesTrib of Buffalo Creek
Location1.3 MI SE of SH 174
RouteState Highway 171
CountyJohnson County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.31289, -97.371
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,568 (2023)
Projected traffic6,770 by 2038
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 171 over Trib of Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 171 over Trib of Buffalo 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SH 171 over Trib of Buffalo Creek carry?

About 7,568 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SH 171 over Trib of Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns SH 171 over Trib of Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.