US Bridges

IH 43 over Fox River

Fair

Brown County, Wisconsin · 3.2M N JCT Sth 54 to W · Structure no. B05015800100000

Built
1979
46 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
450 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
43,600
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 43 over Fox River is a steel arch - thru carrying IH 43 over Fox River in Brown County, Wisconsin. It was built in 1979 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 46 years old, older than the Wisconsin average of 40.3 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 43,600 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,330 by 2043. The structure is 450 ft (137.2 m) long and 87 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIH 43
CrossesFox River
Location3.2M N JCT Sth 54 to W
RouteInterstate 43
CountyBrown County
StateWisconsin
Coordinates44.53351, -88.0079
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length450 ft (137.2 m)
Longest span450 ft (137.2 m)
Deck width87 ft (26.5 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck19 ft (5.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic43,600 (2024)
Projected traffic56,330 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 43 over Fox River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is IH 43 over Fox River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does IH 43 over Fox River carry?

About 43,600 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is IH 43 over Fox River?

The structure is 450 ft (137.2 m) long with a longest span of 450 ft (137.2 m) and a deck 87 ft wide.

Who owns IH 43 over Fox River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.