US Bridges

FM 743 over Draw

Fair

Karnes County, Texas · 6.9 MI SE of SH 72 Bus · Structure no. 161290109503006

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
123
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 743 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying FM 743 over Draw in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 123 vehicles a day, roughly 42% of them trucks, projected to reach 185 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesFM 743
CrossesDraw
Location6.9 MI SE of SH 72 Bus
RouteState Highway 743
StateTexas
Coordinates28.74005, -97.77652
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic123 (2022)
Projected traffic185 by 2042
Trucks42%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Draw built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 743 over Draw 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 Draw carry?

About 123 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 42% are trucks.

How long is FM 743 over Draw?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns FM 743 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.