US Bridges

SH 43 over Black Bayou Relief

Fair

Cass County, Texas · 0.20 MI S of SH 77 · Structure no. 190340056901010

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
64 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,049
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 43 over Black Bayou Relief is a concrete culvert carrying SH 43 over Black Bayou Relief in Cass County, Texas. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 3,049 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,200 by 2042. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 43
CrossesBlack Bayou Relief
Location0.20 MI S of SH 77
RouteState Highway 43
CountyCass County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.10327, -94.17766
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadOther
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,049 (2022)
Projected traffic4,200 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 SH 43 over Black Bayou Relief built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 43 over Black 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SH 43 over Black Bayou Relief carry?

About 3,049 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is SH 43 over Black Bayou Relief?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns SH 43 over Black Bayou Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.