US Bridges

US 271 over Mulberry Creek

Fair

Lamar County, Texas · 1.4 MI NW of FM 196 · Structure no. 011390022101003

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
185 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
8,023
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 271 over Mulberry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 271 over Mulberry 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 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 8,023 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,100 by 2033. The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 271
CrossesMulberry Creek
Location1.4 MI NW of FM 196
RouteU.S. Route 271
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.59139, -95.41107
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length185 ft (56.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 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 closed1.9 mi (3 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$781,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 271 over Mulberry 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 Mulberry 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 Mulberry Creek carry?

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

How long is US 271 over Mulberry Creek?

The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 271 over Mulberry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.