US Bridges

SH 243 over Dry Lacy Fork

Fair

Van Zandt County, Texas · 4.15 MI W of SH 19 · Structure no. 102340052202005

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
53 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,768
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 243 over Dry Lacy Fork is a concrete culvert carrying SH 243 over Dry Lacy Fork in Van Zandt County, Texas. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 85 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 3,768 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,100 by 2033. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 243
CrossesDry Lacy Fork
Location4.15 MI W of SH 19
RouteState Highway 243
CountyVan Zandt County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.54696, -95.93398
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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum 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
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,768 (2023)
Projected traffic4,100 by 2033
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$36,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 243 over Dry Lacy Fork built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is SH 243 over Dry Lacy Fork 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SH 243 over Dry Lacy Fork carry?

About 3,768 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SH 243 over Dry Lacy Fork?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SH 243 over Dry Lacy Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.