US Bridges

FM 971 over Hill Branch

Fair

Williamson County, Texas · 0.30 MI W of SH 95 · Structure no. 142460269001007

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,208
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 971 over Hill Branch is a concrete culvert carrying FM 971 over Hill Branch 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 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 971
CrossesHill Branch
Location0.30 MI W of SH 95
RouteState Highway 971
CountyWilliamson County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.71586, -97.44836
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
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 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 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 closed—
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 FM 971 over Hill Branch built?

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

What condition is FM 971 over Hill Branch 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 FM 971 over Hill Branch carry?

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

How long is FM 971 over Hill Branch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns FM 971 over Hill Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.