US Bridges

SH 71 over Draw

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 8.05 MI S of US 59 · Structure no. 132410026606038

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,923
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 over Draw in Wharton County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 95 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 4,923 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,892 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesSH 71
CrossesDraw
Location8.05 MI S of US 59
RouteState Highway 71
StateTexas
Coordinates29.07591, -96.21217
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 inspectionJanuary 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,923 (2021)
Projected traffic6,892 by 2041
Trucks11%
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 Draw built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

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 January 2023.

How much traffic does SH 71 over Draw carry?

About 4,923 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Draw?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.