US Bridges

IH 20 WB over US 271

Fair

Smith County, Texas · 3.3 MI E of SH 155 · Structure no. 102120049505177

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
321 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,725
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 20 WB over US 271 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying IH 20 WB over US 271 in Smith County, Texas. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 5 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 18,725 vehicles a day, roughly 43% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,215 by 2041. The structure is 321 ft (97.8 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 20 WB
CrossesUS 271
Location3.3 MI E of SH 155
RouteInterstate 20
CountySmith County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.44103, -95.1335
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length321 ft (97.8 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,725 (2021)
Projected traffic26,215 by 2041
Trucks43%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 20 WB over US 271 built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 20 WB over US 271 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 IH 20 WB over US 271 carry?

About 18,725 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 43% are trucks.

How long is IH 20 WB over US 271?

The structure is 321 ft (97.8 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns IH 20 WB over US 271?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.