US Bridges

IH 43 over Francis Creek

Fair

Manitowoc County, Wisconsin · 3.4M N JCT Ush 10 to W · Structure no. B36008200000000

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

IH 43 over Francis Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying IH 43 over Francis Creek in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 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 20,000 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,510 by 2042. The structure is 28 ft (8.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

CarriesIH 43
CrossesFrancis Creek
Location3.4M N JCT Ush 10 to W
RouteInterstate 43
Coordinates44.20221, -87.73126
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum 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 typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length28 ft (8.4 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,000 (2023)
Projected traffic26,510 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was IH 43 over Francis Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is IH 43 over Francis 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does IH 43 over Francis Creek carry?

About 20,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is IH 43 over Francis Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.4 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns IH 43 over Francis Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.