US Bridges

CR 143 over Gulfcoast Water Canal

FairPosted for load

Brazoria County, Texas · 0.30 MI N of CR 541 · Structure no. 120200AA0690004

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,750
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 143 over Gulfcoast Water Canal is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 143 over Gulfcoast Water Canal in Brazoria County, Texas. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger 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 2,750 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5,100 by 2037. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 143
CrossesGulfcoast Water Canal
Location0.30 MI N of CR 541
RouteCounty Highway 143
CountyBrazoria County
StateTexas
Coordinates29.48221, -95.29055
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,750 (2017)
Projected traffic5,100 by 2037
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$3,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 143 over Gulfcoast Water Canal built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 143 over Gulfcoast Water Canal 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does CR 143 over Gulfcoast Water Canal carry?

About 2,750 vehicles per day (2017 count).

How long is CR 143 over Gulfcoast Water Canal?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns CR 143 over Gulfcoast Water Canal?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.