US Bridges

FM 743 over Hord Creek

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 1.0 MI S of FM 2443 · Structure no. 161290109503002

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
50 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
115
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 743 over Hord Creek is a concrete slab carrying FM 743 over Hord Creek in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 115 vehicles a day, roughly 42% of them trucks, projected to reach 161 by 2042. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 743
CrossesHord Creek
Location1.0 MI S of FM 2443
RouteState Highway 743
CountyKarnes County
StateTexas
Coordinates28.70386, -97.75361
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 rating69 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic115 (2022)
Projected traffic161 by 2042
Trucks42%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 FM 743 over Hord Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 743 over Hord 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does FM 743 over Hord Creek carry?

About 115 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 42% are trucks.

How long is FM 743 over Hord Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 743 over Hord Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.