US Bridges

SH 243 over Williams Creek

Fair

Kaufman County, Texas · 0.35 MI W of FM 429 · Structure no. 181300052201027

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
180 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
3,730
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 243 over Williams Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 243 over Williams Creek in Kaufman 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 3,730 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,654 by 2042. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 243
CrossesWilliams Creek
Location0.35 MI W of FM 429
RouteState Highway 243
CountyKaufman County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.56983, -96.13473
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadOther
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,730 (2023)
Projected traffic3,654 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$13,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 243 over Williams Creek built?

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

What condition is SH 243 over Williams 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SH 243 over Williams Creek carry?

About 3,730 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SH 243 over Williams Creek?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 243 over Williams Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.