US Bridges

US 271 over Rice Creek

Fair

Smith County, Texas · 5.1 MI NE of IH 20 · Structure no. 102120016502024

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,755
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 271 over Rice Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 271 over Rice Creek in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1962, 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 5,755 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,470 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 271
CrossesRice Creek
Location5.1 MI NE of IH 20
RouteU.S. Route 271
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.47662, -95.05603
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 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 traffic5,755 (2020)
Projected traffic7,470 by 2033
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$35,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 271 over Rice Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is US 271 over Rice 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 271 over Rice Creek carry?

About 5,755 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 271 over Rice Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 271 over Rice Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.