US Bridges

SH 63 over Sabine River Relief #5

Fair

Newton County, Texas · 0.40 MI W Louisiana S/L · Structure no. 201760021403016

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
350 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
1,240
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 63 over Sabine River Relief #5 is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 63 over Sabine River Relief #5 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 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 1,240 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,460 by 2033. The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 63
CrossesSabine River Relief #5
Location0.40 MI W Louisiana S/L
RouteState Highway 63
CountyNewton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.06428, -93.52647
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadH 15
Structure length350 ft (106.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,240 (2024)
Projected traffic1,460 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$21,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 63 over Sabine River Relief #5 built?

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

What condition is SH 63 over Sabine River Relief #5 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 SH 63 over Sabine River Relief #5 carry?

About 1,240 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 63 over Sabine River Relief #5?

The structure is 350 ft (106.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SH 63 over Sabine River Relief #5?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.