US Bridges

SH 321 SB over Union Pacific Railroad

Fair

Liberty County, Texas · 0.8 MI SE of FM 686 · Structure no. 201460059301013

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,418
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 321 SB over Union Pacific Railroad is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 321 SB over Union Pacific Railroad in Liberty County, Texas. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 4,418 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,800 by 2033. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 321 SB
CrossesUnion Pacific Railroad
Location0.8 MI SE of FM 686
RouteState Highway 321
CountyLiberty County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.08845, -94.91511
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,418 (2020)
Projected traffic6,800 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 321 SB over Union Pacific Railroad built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 321 SB over Union Pacific Railroad 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 February 2022.

How much traffic does SH 321 SB over Union Pacific Railroad carry?

About 4,418 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SH 321 SB over Union Pacific Railroad?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns SH 321 SB over Union Pacific Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.