US Bridges

FM 3121 over Palo Gaucho Bayou

Fair

Sabine County, Texas · 1.60 MI S of SH 21 · Structure no. 112020317001001

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
1,440 ft
36 main spans
Daily traffic
1,856
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 3121 over Palo Gaucho Bayou is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 3121 over Palo Gaucho Bayou in Sabine County, Texas. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 1,856 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,548 by 2041. The structure is 1,440 ft (438.9 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 3121
CrossesPalo Gaucho Bayou
Location1.60 MI S of SH 21
RouteState Highway 3121
CountySabine County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.41223, -93.78147
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans36
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,440 ft (438.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,856 (2021)
Projected traffic2,548 by 2041
Trucks10%
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 FM 3121 over Palo Gaucho Bayou built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 3121 over Palo Gaucho Bayou 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 FM 3121 over Palo Gaucho Bayou carry?

About 1,856 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is FM 3121 over Palo Gaucho Bayou?

The structure is 1,440 ft (438.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns FM 3121 over Palo Gaucho Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.