US Bridges

SH 43 over Black Bayou

Fair

Cass County, Texas · 0.30 MI S of SH 77 · Structure no. 190340056901011

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
300 ft
12 main spans
Daily traffic
3,014
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 43 over Black Bayou is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 43 over Black Bayou in Cass County, Texas. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 2002, 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 5 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 3,014 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,200 by 2042. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 43
CrossesBlack Bayou
Location0.30 MI S of SH 77
RouteState Highway 43
CountyCass County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.10087, -94.17856
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans12
Design loadOther
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,014 (2023)
Projected traffic4,200 by 2042
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

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 built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is SH 43 over Black 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SH 43 over Black Bayou carry?

About 3,014 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is SH 43 over Black Bayou?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SH 43 over Black Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.