US Bridges

US0171 over Buchanan Bayou

Fair

Caddo Parish, Louisiana · 3.4 Mi. S. of LA 526 · Structure no. 040900250804052

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
16,911
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US0171 over Buchanan Bayou is a concrete tee beam carrying US0171 over Buchanan Bayou in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 years old, older 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 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 16,911 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,602 by 2041. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS0171
CrossesBuchanan Bayou
Location3.4 Mi. S. of LA 526
RouteU.S. Route 171
CountyCaddo Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates32.35744, -93.8282
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,911 (2021)
Projected traffic18,602 by 2041
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$585,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US0171 over Buchanan Bayou built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is US0171 over Buchanan Bayou 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US0171 over Buchanan Bayou carry?

About 16,911 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US0171 over Buchanan Bayou?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US0171 over Buchanan Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.