US Bridges

CR 261/SIGN CR 343 over Loring Branch

Fair

Cooke County, Texas · 2.5 MI N of FM 922 · Structure no. 030490AA0261003

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
72 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 261/SIGN CR 343 over Loring Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 261/SIGN CR 343 over Loring Branch in Cooke County, Texas. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 550 by 2030. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 261/SIGN CR 343
CrossesLoring Branch
Location2.5 MI N of FM 922
RouteCounty Highway 261
CountyCooke County
StateTexas
Coordinates33.51862, -97.45536
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour evaluation has not been made
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2020)
Projected traffic550 by 2030
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 261/SIGN CR 343 over Loring Branch built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 261/SIGN CR 343 over Loring Branch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does CR 261/SIGN CR 343 over Loring Branch carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is CR 261/SIGN CR 343 over Loring Branch?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CR 261/SIGN CR 343 over Loring Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.