US Bridges

SH 71 over Draw

Fair

McCulloch County, Texas · 0.4 MI SE of US 87 · Structure no. 231600256101001

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
61 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,207
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 over Draw in McCulloch County, Texas. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 64 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 2,207 vehicles a day, roughly 39% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,254 by 2038. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 71
CrossesDraw
Location0.4 MI SE of US 87
RouteState Highway 71
CountyMcCulloch County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.09358, -99.32107
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than 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 loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.7 m)
Roadway width49 ft (14.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,207 (2023)
Projected traffic3,254 by 2038
Trucks39%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Draw built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is SH 71 over Draw 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 Draw carry?

About 2,207 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 39% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Draw?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.