US Bridges

RM 243 over Bear Creek

Fair

Burnet County, Texas · 1.65 MI NE of SH 29 · Structure no. 140270044004016

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,038
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RM 243 over Bear Creek is a concrete slab carrying RM 243 over Bear Creek in Burnet County, Texas. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 3,038 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,030 by 2033. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRM 243
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.65 MI NE of SH 29
RouteState Highway 243
CountyBurnet County
StateTexas
Coordinates30.75982, -98.03441
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 rating53 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,038 (2020)
Projected traffic3,030 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$4,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was RM 243 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is RM 243 over Bear Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does RM 243 over Bear Creek carry?

About 3,038 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is RM 243 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns RM 243 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.