US Bridges

SH 71 over Willow Creek

Fair

Wharton County, Texas · 11.70 MI S of US 59 · Structure no. 132410026606039

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,557
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 71 over Willow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 71 over Willow Creek 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 4,557 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,380 by 2041. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 71
CrossesWillow Creek
Location11.70 MI S of US 59
RouteState Highway 71
CountyWharton County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.02117, -96.20737
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,557 (2021)
Projected traffic6,380 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Willow Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 71 over Willow 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does SH 71 over Willow Creek carry?

About 4,557 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is SH 71 over Willow Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SH 71 over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.