US Bridges

SH 71 over Barton Creek

Fair

Travis County, Texas · 5.5 MI W of US 290 · Structure no. 142270070003011

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
332 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
49,027
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Barton Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 71 over Barton Creek in Travis County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 76 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 49,027 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,240 by 2033. The structure is 332 ft (101.2 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 71
CrossesBarton Creek
Location5.5 MI W of US 290
RouteState Highway 71
CountyTravis County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.29616, -97.92558
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length332 ft (101.2 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width77 ft (23.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic49,027 (2023)
Projected traffic29,240 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$36,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 71 over Barton Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is SH 71 over Barton 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SH 71 over Barton Creek carry?

About 49,027 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Barton Creek?

The structure is 332 ft (101.2 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 over Barton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.