US Bridges

SH 63 over Balance Branch

Good

Newton County, Texas · 0.45 MI E of SH 87 · Structure no. 201760021403006

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,438
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 63 over Balance Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SH 63 over Balance Branch in Newton County, Texas. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,438 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,754 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesSH 63
CrossesBalance Branch
Location0.45 MI E of SH 87
RouteState Highway 63
StateTexas
Coordinates31.00175, -93.66331
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,438 (2022)
Projected traffic1,754 by 2042
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 SH 63 over Balance Branch built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 63 over Balance Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does SH 63 over Balance Branch carry?

About 1,438 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SH 63 over Balance Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns SH 63 over Balance Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.