US Bridges

US 271 over Big Sandy Creek Branch

Fair

Lamar County, Texas · 1.1 MI SE of Loop 286 · Structure no. 011390022101001

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
9,071
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 271 over Big Sandy Creek Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 271 over Big Sandy Creek Branch in Lamar County, Texas. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 91 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 5 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 9,071 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,430 by 2033. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 271
CrossesBig Sandy Creek Branch
Location1.1 MI SE of Loop 286
RouteU.S. Route 271
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.63962, -95.48737
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 loadH 15
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,071 (2020)
Projected traffic11,430 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 271 over Big Sandy Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is US 271 over Big Sandy Creek 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 271 over Big Sandy Creek Branch carry?

About 9,071 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 271 over Big Sandy Creek Branch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 271 over Big Sandy Creek Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.