US Bridges

FM 971 over Pecan Branch

Good

Williamson County, Texas · 3.25 MI E of Bi 35 M · Structure no. 142460269001001

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2008
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,764
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 971 over Pecan Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 971 over Pecan Branch in Williamson County, Texas. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2008, so it is 61 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 5,764 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,537 by 2039. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesFM 971
CrossesPecan Branch
Location3.25 MI E of Bi 35 M
RouteState Highway 971
CountyWilliamson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.67501, -97.62309
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 loadOther
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,764 (2020)
Projected traffic7,537 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 971 over Pecan Branch built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2008.

What condition is FM 971 over Pecan Branch 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 971 over Pecan Branch carry?

About 5,764 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 971 over Pecan Branch?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns FM 971 over Pecan Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.