US Bridges

SH 43 over Big Cypress Bayou

FairPosted for load

Marion County, Texas · At Harrison C/L · Structure no. 191550056903017

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
1,790 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,244
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 43 over Big Cypress Bayou is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying SH 43 over Big Cypress Bayou in Marion County, Texas. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,244 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,940 by 2033. The structure is 1,790 ft (545.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

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CarriesSH 43
CrossesBig Cypress Bayou
LocationAt Harrison C/L
RouteState Highway 43
CountyMarion County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.697, -94.18793
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1 (+41 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,790 ft (545.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,244 (2020)
Projected traffic1,940 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 43 over Big Cypress Bayou built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is SH 43 over Big Cypress Bayou 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SH 43 over Big Cypress Bayou carry?

About 1,244 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is SH 43 over Big Cypress Bayou?

The structure is 1,790 ft (545.6 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SH 43 over Big Cypress Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.