US Bridges

US 271 over Little Sandy Creek

Fair

Lamar County, Texas · 3.5 MI SE of Loop 286 · Structure no. 011390022101002

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
51 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
8,023
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 271 over Little Sandy Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 271 over Little Sandy Creek 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 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 8,023 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,100 by 2033. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 271
CrossesLittle Sandy Creek
Location3.5 MI SE of Loop 286
RouteU.S. Route 271
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.61876, -95.45355
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,023 (2020)
Projected traffic9,100 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 271 over Little Sandy Creek built?

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

What condition is US 271 over Little Sandy 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 271 over Little Sandy Creek carry?

About 8,023 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 271 over Little Sandy Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 271 over Little Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.