US Bridges

SH 71 over Walnut Creek

Fair

Llano County, Texas · 0.15 MI NW of RM 962 · Structure no. 141500070004028

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
200 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,510
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Walnut Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 71 over Walnut Creek in Llano County, Texas. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 71 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 1,510 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,290 by 2033. The structure is 200 ft (61 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
CrossesWalnut Creek
Location0.15 MI NW of RM 962
RouteState Highway 71
CountyLlano County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.53804, -98.44491
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadOther
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,510 (2023)
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 Walnut Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SH 71 over Walnut 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 Walnut Creek carry?

About 1,510 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Walnut Creek?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 over Walnut Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.