US Bridges

SH 103 over Palo Gaucho Bayou Relief

Fair

Sabine County, Texas · 3.10 MI W of SH 21 · Structure no. 112020033608033

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
121 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,787
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 103 over Palo Gaucho Bayou Relief is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 103 over Palo Gaucho Bayou Relief in Sabine County, Texas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 1,787 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,502 by 2040. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 103
CrossesPalo Gaucho Bayou Relief
Location3.10 MI W of SH 21
RouteState Highway 103
CountySabine County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.42955, -93.94285
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,787 (2020)
Projected traffic2,502 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 103 over Palo Gaucho Bayou Relief built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 103 over Palo Gaucho Bayou Relief 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 103 over Palo Gaucho Bayou Relief carry?

About 1,787 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 103 over Palo Gaucho Bayou Relief?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SH 103 over Palo Gaucho Bayou Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.