US Bridges

SH 71 over San Saba River

Fair

McCulloch County, Texas · 1.65 MI NW of FM 1851 W · Structure no. 231600110201006

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
900 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,571
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over San Saba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 71 over San Saba River in McCulloch County, Texas. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 2014, 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 1,571 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,867 by 2038. The structure is 900 ft (274.3 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 71
CrossesSan Saba River
Location1.65 MI NW of FM 1851 W
RouteState Highway 71
CountyMcCulloch County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.01451, -99.20971
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8 (+6 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length900 ft (274.3 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,571 (2020)
Projected traffic3,867 by 2038
Trucks36%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$63,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 71 over San Saba River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is SH 71 over San Saba River 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SH 71 over San Saba River carry?

About 1,571 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over San Saba River?

The structure is 900 ft (274.3 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 over San Saba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.