US Bridges

SH 71 over Sandy Creek

Fair

Llano County, Texas · 1.05 MI SE of RM 2233 · Structure no. 141500070004027

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
528 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
6,525
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Sandy Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 71 over Sandy Creek in Llano County, Texas. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 70 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 6,525 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,290 by 2033. The structure is 528 ft (160.9 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 71
CrossesSandy Creek
Location1.05 MI SE of RM 2233
RouteState Highway 71
CountyLlano County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.55813, -98.4729
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadOther
Structure length528 ft (160.9 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,525 (2020)
Projected traffic6,290 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 71 over Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SH 71 over Sandy 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SH 71 over Sandy Creek carry?

About 6,525 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 528 ft (160.9 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.