US Bridges

FM 1243 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Hill County, Texas · 2.8 MI SE of US 77 · Structure no. 091100137401002

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
224
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1243 over Cottonwood Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 1243 over Cottonwood Creek in Hill County, Texas. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 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 224 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 250 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1243
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location2.8 MI SE of US 77
RouteState Highway 1243
CountyHill County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.06401, -96.96347
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic224 (2020)
Projected traffic250 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$400,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 1243 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1243 over Cottonwood 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does FM 1243 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 224 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is FM 1243 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1243 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.