US Bridges

U.S. 271 over Buzzard Creek

Fair

Le Flore County, Oklahoma · 11.27 N Pushmataha C/L · Structure no. 127540000000000

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S. 271 over Buzzard Creek is a concrete culvert carrying U.S. 271 over Buzzard Creek in Le Flore County, Oklahoma. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 years old, older than the Oklahoma average of 47.8 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 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,240 by 2042. The structure is 39 ft (12 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

CarriesU.S. 271
CrossesBuzzard Creek
Location11.27 N Pushmataha C/L
RouteU.S. Route 271
Coordinates34.77716, -94.95394
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length39 ft (12 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2022)
Projected traffic2,240 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$779,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 271 over Buzzard Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 271 over Buzzard 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. 271 over Buzzard Creek carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 271 over Buzzard Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (12 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns U.S. 271 over Buzzard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.