US Bridges

SH 71 over Lost Creek

Good

Mason County, Texas · 0.20 MI N of RM 386 · Structure no. 141570110202011

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,064
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Lost Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 over Lost Creek in Mason County, Texas. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,064 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,860 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesSH 71
CrossesLost Creek
Location0.20 MI N of RM 386
RouteState Highway 71
StateTexas
Coordinates30.93773, -99.11821
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.9 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,064 (2020)
Projected traffic2,860 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 71 over Lost Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does SH 71 over Lost Creek carry?

About 2,064 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Lost Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 over Lost Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.