US Bridges

SH 43 over Tatum Creek

Fair

Rusk County, Texas · 3.20 MI NE of FM 1716 · Structure no. 102010020703014

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,206
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 43 over Tatum Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 43 over Tatum Creek in Rusk County, Texas. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 90 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 3,206 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,488 by 2041. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 43
CrossesTatum Creek
Location3.20 MI NE of FM 1716
RouteState Highway 43
CountyRusk County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.31242, -94.52629
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width59 ft (17.9 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,206 (2021)
Projected traffic4,488 by 2041
Trucks29%
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 43 over Tatum Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is SH 43 over Tatum 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SH 43 over Tatum Creek carry?

About 3,206 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is SH 43 over Tatum Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns SH 43 over Tatum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.