US Bridges

SH 171 over Long Branch

Fair

Limestone County, Texas · 2.30 MI NW of FM 73 · Structure no. 091470041902010

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,025
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 171 over Long Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 171 over Long Branch in Limestone County, Texas. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 2,025 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,390 by 2038. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 171
CrossesLong Branch
Location2.30 MI NW of FM 73
RouteState Highway 171
CountyLimestone County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.78332, -96.68071
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 inspectionNovember 2024
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width46 ft (13.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,025 (2023)
Projected traffic2,390 by 2038
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Long Branch built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 171 over Long Branch 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 Long Branch carry?

About 2,025 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is SH 171 over Long Branch?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns SH 171 over Long Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.