US Bridges

US 271 SB over Thunderstruck Creek

Fair

Smith County, Texas · 0.1 MI E of FM 2908 · Structure no. 102120016501022

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
150 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,838
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 271 SB over Thunderstruck Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 271 SB over Thunderstruck Creek in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 89 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 5,838 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,380 by 2033. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 271 SB
CrossesThunderstruck Creek
Location0.1 MI E of FM 2908
RouteU.S. Route 271
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.43385, -95.16771
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,838 (2023)
Projected traffic8,380 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 271 SB over Thunderstruck Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is US 271 SB over Thunderstruck 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 271 SB over Thunderstruck Creek carry?

About 5,838 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 271 SB over Thunderstruck Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 271 SB over Thunderstruck Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.