US Bridges

SH 71 over Lost Creek

Fair

McCulloch County, Texas · 0.7 MI SE of FM 3293 · Structure no. 231600110201015

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
160 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,261
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Lost Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 71 over Lost Creek in McCulloch County, Texas. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 2,261 vehicles a day, roughly 49% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,187 by 2038. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 71
CrossesLost Creek
Location0.7 MI SE of FM 3293
RouteState Highway 71
CountyMcCulloch County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.98009, -99.14084
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 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,261 (2020)
Projected traffic2,187 by 2038
Trucks49%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 71 over Lost Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 71 over Lost 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SH 71 over Lost Creek carry?

About 2,261 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 49% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Lost Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 over Lost Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.