US Bridges

SH 243 over Big Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Kaufman County, Texas · 1.10 MI E of FM 2727 · Structure no. 181300052201030

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
150 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,883
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 243 over Big Cottonwood Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 243 over Big Cottonwood Creek in Kaufman County, Texas. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 2,883 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,094 by 2042. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 243
CrossesBig Cottonwood Creek
Location1.10 MI E of FM 2727
RouteState Highway 243
CountyKaufman County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.58256, -96.26007
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadOther
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,883 (2022)
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$10,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 243 over Big Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 243 over Big 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SH 243 over Big Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 2,883 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SH 243 over Big Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 243 over Big Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.