US Bridges

FM 343 over Railroad (abandoned)

Fair

Cherokee County, Texas · 0.15 MI S of US 84 · Structure no. 100370092601006

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
130 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,836
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 343 over Railroad (abandoned) is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 343 over Railroad (abandoned) in Cherokee County, Texas. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 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 2,836 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,670 by 2033. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 343
CrossesRailroad (abandoned)
Location0.15 MI S of US 84
RouteState Highway 343
CountyCherokee County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.79434, -95.16949
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,836 (2023)
Projected traffic3,670 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesOther
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$172,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 343 over Railroad (abandoned) built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 343 over Railroad (abandoned) 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does FM 343 over Railroad (abandoned) carry?

About 2,836 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 343 over Railroad (abandoned)?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns FM 343 over Railroad (abandoned)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.