US Bridges

Palmetto Ave over Lil Cypress Bayou

PoorPosted for load

Bossier Parish, Louisiana · 0.6 MI E of HWY 3 · Structure no. 040832544934211

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
59 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,000
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Palmetto Ave over Lil Cypress Bayou is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Palmetto Ave over Lil Cypress Bayou in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,000 vehicles a day, projected to reach 3,300 by 2040. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesPalmetto Ave
CrossesLil Cypress Bayou
Location0.6 MI E of HWY 3
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBossier Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates32.90549, -93.70135
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating16.1 US tons
Inventory rating12.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (2020)
Projected traffic3,300 by 2040
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$223,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Palmetto Ave over Lil Cypress Bayou built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Palmetto Ave over Lil Cypress Bayou in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does Palmetto Ave over Lil Cypress Bayou carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Palmetto Ave over Lil Cypress Bayou?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Palmetto Ave over Lil Cypress Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.