US Bridges

US 271 over Black Fork CR

Fair

Smith County, Texas · 1.8 MI N of SH 31 · Structure no. 102120016501026

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
55 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
13,665
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 271 over Black Fork CR is a concrete culvert carrying US 271 over Black Fork CR in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 84 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 13,665 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,050 by 2033. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 271
CrossesBlack Fork CR
Location1.8 MI N of SH 31
RouteU.S. Route 271
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.37032, -95.28832
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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 evaluation5: 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,665 (2020)
Projected traffic22,050 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 271 over Black Fork CR built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is US 271 over Black Fork CR 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 Black Fork CR carry?

About 13,665 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 271 over Black Fork CR?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 271 over Black Fork CR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.