US Bridges

FM 343 over Draw

Fair

Nacogdoches County, Texas · 7.30 MI NW of US 59 · Structure no. 111740230001003

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
965
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 343 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying FM 343 over Draw in Nacogdoches County, Texas. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 965 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,351 by 2040. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

CarriesFM 343
CrossesDraw
Location7.30 MI NW of US 59
RouteState Highway 343
StateTexas
Coordinates31.70369, -94.80646
Functional classRural Major 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 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 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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadOther
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic965 (2020)
Projected traffic1,351 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 343 over Draw built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 343 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does FM 343 over Draw carry?

About 965 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is FM 343 over Draw?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns FM 343 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.