US Bridges

Bledsoe RD over Buchanan Bayou

FairPosted for load

Caddo Parish, Louisiana · .1 Mi.W. US 171 Bledsoe R · Structure no. 040932211934981

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
76 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
77
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bledsoe RD over Buchanan Bayou is a concrete slab carrying Bledsoe RD over Buchanan Bayou in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 77 vehicles a day, projected to reach 84 by 2039. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesBledsoe RD
CrossesBuchanan Bayou
Location.1 Mi.W. US 171 Bledsoe R
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCaddo Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates32.35232, -93.83036
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating20 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic77 (2019)
Projected traffic84 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 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 Bledsoe RD over Buchanan Bayou built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bledsoe RD 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Bledsoe RD over Buchanan Bayou carry?

About 77 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Bledsoe RD over Buchanan Bayou?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Bledsoe RD over Buchanan Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.