US Bridges

State Route 43 over Cole Slough

Fair

Fresno County, California · 06-FRE-043-0.78 · Structure no. 42 0081

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
91 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,300
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 43 over Cole Slough is a concrete continuous slab carrying State Route 43 over Cole Slough in Fresno County, California. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 72 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 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 12,300 vehicles a day, projected to reach 18,976 by 2042. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 43
CrossesCole Slough
Location06-FRE-043-0.78
RouteState Highway 43
CountyFresno County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates36.45331, -119.63612
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 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 rating77.5 US tons
Inventory rating46.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,300 (2009)
Projected traffic18,976 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 43 over Cole Slough built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is State Route 43 over Cole Slough 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 43 over Cole Slough carry?

About 12,300 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is State Route 43 over Cole Slough?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 43 over Cole Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.