US Bridges

US 83 over San Saba River

Fair

Menard County, Texas · 0.30 MI S of US 190 · Structure no. 071640003505021

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,259 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,859
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 83 over San Saba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 83 over San Saba River in Menard County, Texas. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 93 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 7,859 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,000 by 2033. The structure is 1,259 ft (383.7 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 83
CrossesSan Saba River
Location0.30 MI S of US 190
RouteU.S. Route 83
StateTexas
Coordinates30.91901, -99.78578
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+37 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length1,259 ft (383.7 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,859 (2023)
Projected traffic10,000 by 2033
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 83 over San Saba River built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is US 83 over San Saba River 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 83 over San Saba River carry?

About 7,859 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 83 over San Saba River?

The structure is 1,259 ft (383.7 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns US 83 over San Saba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.