US Bridges

SH 21 over Sabine River

Fair

Sabine County, Texas · 0.0 MI W of Louisiana S/L · Structure no. 112020011905017

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
13,196 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,014
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 21 over Sabine River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 21 over Sabine River in Sabine County, Texas. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 3,014 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,220 by 2035. The structure is 13,196 ft (4,022.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 70.2 mi (113 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 21
CrossesSabine River
Location0.0 MI W of Louisiana S/L
RouteState Highway 21
CountySabine County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.47831, -93.72592
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+181 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length13,196 ft (4,022.1 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,014 (2024)
Projected traffic3,220 by 2035
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed70.2 mi (113 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 21 over Sabine River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 21 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SH 21 over Sabine River carry?

About 3,014 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SH 21 over Sabine River?

The structure is 13,196 ft (4,022.1 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SH 21 over Sabine River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.