US Bridges

SH 43 over Union Pacific Railroad

PoorPosted for load

Cass County, Texas · 0.05 MI E of FM 248 · Structure no. 190340056901012

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,181
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 43 over Union Pacific Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SH 43 over Union Pacific Railroad 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,181 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,535 by 2042. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 43
CrossesUnion Pacific Railroad
Location0.05 MI E of FM 248
RouteState Highway 43
CountyCass County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.01958, -94.19988
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,181 (2023)
Projected traffic1,535 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 43 over Union Pacific Railroad built?

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

What condition is SH 43 over Union Pacific Railroad in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does SH 43 over Union Pacific Railroad carry?

About 1,181 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SH 43 over Union Pacific Railroad?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 43 over Union Pacific Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.