US Bridges

SH 71 over Draw

Good

Matagorda County, Texas · 0.015 MI S of FM 456 · Structure no. 131580026607193

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,905
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 over Draw in Matagorda County, Texas. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 1,905 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,667 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

CarriesSH 71
CrossesDraw
Location0.015 MI S of FM 456
RouteState Highway 71
StateTexas
Coordinates28.92833, -96.20806
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: 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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,905 (2023)
Projected traffic2,667 by 2042
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 71 over Draw 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does SH 71 over Draw carry?

About 1,905 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Draw?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m).

Who owns SH 71 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.