US Bridges

US 271 over Bee Bayou

Fair

Lamar County, Texas · 1.0 MI SE of FM 196 · Structure no. 011390022101004

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
114 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,265
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 271 over Bee Bayou is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 271 over Bee Bayou 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 6,265 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,140 by 2033. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 44 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 271
CrossesBee Bayou
Location1.0 MI SE of FM 196
RouteU.S. Route 271
CountyLamar County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.5695, -95.38066
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 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 rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length114 ft (34.7 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 traffic6,265 (2020)
Projected traffic8,140 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$481,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 271 over Bee Bayou built?

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

What condition is US 271 over Bee Bayou 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 Bee Bayou carry?

About 6,265 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is US 271 over Bee Bayou?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 271 over Bee Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.