US Bridges

SH 243 over Cedar Creek

Fair

Van Zandt County, Texas · 2.50 MI W of FM 47 · Structure no. 102340052202007

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
400 ft
16 main spans
Daily traffic
1,790
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 243 over Cedar Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying SH 243 over Cedar Creek in Van Zandt County, Texas. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 78 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 5 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 1,790 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,210 by 2033. The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSH 243
CrossesCedar Creek
Location2.50 MI W of FM 47
RouteState Highway 243
CountyVan Zandt County
StateTexas
Coordinates32.56082, -96.07021
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans16
Design loadH 20
Structure length400 ft (121.9 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,790 (2020)
Projected traffic3,210 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$480,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 243 over Cedar Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is SH 243 over Cedar 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SH 243 over Cedar Creek carry?

About 1,790 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SH 243 over Cedar Creek?

The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns SH 243 over Cedar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.