US Bridges

SH 243 over Jones Creek

Fair

Kaufman County, Texas · 1.45 MI W of FM 2515 · Structure no. 181300052201003

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,315
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 243 over Jones Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 243 over Jones Creek in Kaufman County, Texas. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 3,315 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,094 by 2042. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 243
CrossesJones Creek
Location1.45 MI W of FM 2515
RouteState Highway 243
CountyKaufman County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.57573, -96.19956
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 adequacy6: Equal to 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 spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,315 (2023)
Projected traffic4,094 by 2042
Trucks16%
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 SH 243 over Jones Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 243 over Jones 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SH 243 over Jones Creek carry?

About 3,315 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 243 over Jones Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns SH 243 over Jones Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.