US Bridges

SH 43 over Potters Creek

Fair

Harrison County, Texas · 2.5 MI S of IH 20 · Structure no. 191030020705010

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
143 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,235
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 43 over Potters Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SH 43 over Potters Creek in Harrison County, Texas. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 95 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 3,235 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,870 by 2033. The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 43
CrossesPotters Creek
Location2.5 MI S of IH 20
RouteState Highway 43
CountyHarrison County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.45788, -94.43146
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 inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length143 ft (43.6 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.9 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,235 (2020)
Projected traffic5,870 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 Potters Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is SH 43 over Potters Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SH 43 over Potters Creek carry?

About 3,235 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SH 43 over Potters Creek?

The structure is 143 ft (43.6 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns SH 43 over Potters Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.