US Bridges

US 271 SB over Red River

Fair

Lamar County, Texas · Oklahoma & Texas Border · Structure no. 011390013607108

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
916 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
5,695
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 271 SB over Red River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 271 SB over Red River in Lamar County, Texas. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 5,695 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,134 by 2039. The structure is 916 ft (279.2 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 271 SB
CrossesRed River
LocationOklahoma & Texas Border
RouteU.S. Route 271
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.87516, -95.50244
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length916 ft (279.2 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,695 (2020)
Projected traffic6,134 by 2039
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$3.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 271 SB over Red River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 271 SB over Red River 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US 271 SB over Red River carry?

About 5,695 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 271 SB over Red River?

The structure is 916 ft (279.2 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 271 SB over Red River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.