US Bridges

FM 1443 over North Long Dry Creek

Fair

Wheeler County, Texas · 2.25 MI N of IH 40 · Structure no. 252420134701001

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 1443 over North Long Dry Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 1443 over North Long Dry Creek in Wheeler County, Texas. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 170 by 2033. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 1443
CrossesNorth Long Dry Creek
Location2.25 MI N of IH 40
RouteState Highway 1443
CountyWheeler County
StateTexas
Coordinates35.26004, -100.50289
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2020)
Projected traffic170 by 2033
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 1443 over North Long Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 1443 over North Long Dry 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does FM 1443 over North Long Dry Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is FM 1443 over North Long Dry Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns FM 1443 over North Long Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.