US Bridges

SH 63 over Sabine River

FairPosted for load

Newton County, Texas · 0.00 MI W Louisiana S/L · Structure no. 201760021404005

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
1,882 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,369
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 63 over Sabine River is a steel truss - thru carrying SH 63 over Sabine River in Newton County, Texas. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,369 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,780 by 2042. The structure is 1,882 ft (573.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.3 mi (68 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 63
CrossesSabine River
Location0.00 MI W Louisiana S/L
RouteState Highway 63
CountyNewton County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.06434, -93.51913
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+36 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length1,882 ft (573.6 m)
Longest span250 ft (76.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck12 ft (3.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,369 (2022)
Projected traffic1,780 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.3 mi (68 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 63 over Sabine River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 63 over Sabine 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SH 63 over Sabine River carry?

About 1,369 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 63 over Sabine River?

The structure is 1,882 ft (573.6 m) long with a longest span of 250 ft (76.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SH 63 over Sabine River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.