US Bridges

Firetower RD over Ford Creek

GoodPosted for load

Catahoula Parish, Louisiana · 0.2M E of Springridge RD · Structure no. 581331487915811

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
76 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
90
1972 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Firetower RD over Ford Creek is a concrete slab carrying Firetower RD over Ford Creek in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, older than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 90 vehicles a day, projected to reach 99 by 1992. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFiretower RD
CrossesFord Creek
Location0.2M E of Springridge RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCatahoula Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.81208, -91.96981
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating24.3 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 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 width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90 (1972)
Projected traffic99 by 1992
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Firetower RD over Ford Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Firetower RD over Ford Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does Firetower RD over Ford Creek carry?

About 90 vehicles per day (1972 count).

How long is Firetower RD over Ford Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Firetower RD over Ford Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.