US Bridges

FM 971 over Willis Creek

Fair

Williamson County, Texas · 1.00 MI W of SH 95 · Structure no. 142460269001006

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
125 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,208
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 971 over Willis Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 971 over Willis Creek in Williamson County, Texas. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 1,208 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,691 by 2041. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 971
CrossesWillis Creek
Location1.00 MI W of SH 95
RouteState Highway 971
CountyWilliamson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.7109, -97.4592
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,208 (2021)
Projected traffic1,691 by 2041
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$9,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 971 over Willis Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 971 over Willis 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 971 over Willis Creek carry?

About 1,208 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is FM 971 over Willis Creek?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns FM 971 over Willis Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.