US Bridges

Chatlain Crossing over Bayou Natchitoches

FairPosted for load

Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana · App. 10 M. E. of LA 451 · Structure no. 080531090914451

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
110 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
150
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chatlain Crossing over Bayou Natchitoches is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Chatlain Crossing over Bayou Natchitoches in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 years old, younger than the Louisiana average of 43 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 150 vehicles a day, projected to reach 165 by 2040. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesChatlain Crossing
CrossesBayou Natchitoches
LocationApp. 10 M. E. of LA 451
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyAvoyelles Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.15004, -91.7841
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating28 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2020)
Projected traffic165 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Chatlain Crossing over Bayou Natchitoches built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is Chatlain Crossing over Bayou Natchitoches 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Chatlain Crossing over Bayou Natchitoches carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Chatlain Crossing over Bayou Natchitoches?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Chatlain Crossing over Bayou Natchitoches?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.