US Bridges

US 271 over Railroad (up Yard)/Drain

Fair

Smith County, Texas · 0.6 MI N of SH 31 · Structure no. 102120016501025

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1974
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
1,325 ft
21 main spans
Daily traffic
24,480
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 271 over Railroad (up Yard)/Drain is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 271 over Railroad (up Yard)/Drain in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1974, so it is 88 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 24,480 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,090 by 2033. The structure is 1,325 ft (403.9 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 271
CrossesRailroad (up Yard)/Drain
Location0.6 MI N of SH 31
RouteU.S. Route 271
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.35694, -95.29504
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable 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 spans21 (+7 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length1,325 ft (403.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,480 (2023)
Projected traffic35,090 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 271 over Railroad (up Yard)/Drain built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1974.

What condition is US 271 over Railroad (up Yard)/Drain 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 over Railroad (up Yard)/Drain carry?

About 24,480 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 271 over Railroad (up Yard)/Drain?

The structure is 1,325 ft (403.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns US 271 over Railroad (up Yard)/Drain?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.