US Bridges

SH 71 over Pontotoc Creek

Fair

Mason County, Texas · 0.50 MI W of RM 501 · Structure no. 141570057703007

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,434
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Pontotoc Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 over Pontotoc Creek in Mason County, Texas. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 74 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 2,434 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,660 by 2033. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 71
CrossesPontotoc Creek
Location0.50 MI W of RM 501
RouteState Highway 71
CountyMason County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.90921, -98.9855
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,434 (2020)
Projected traffic2,660 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 Pontotoc Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is SH 71 over Pontotoc 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 Pontotoc Creek carry?

About 2,434 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Pontotoc Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 over Pontotoc Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.