US Bridges

US0171 over Bear Creek

Fair

De Soto Parish, Louisiana · 0.5 Mi. N. of LA 512 · Structure no. 041600000017182

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
120 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,659
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US0171 over Bear Creek is a concrete slab carrying US0171 over Bear Creek in De Soto Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 5,659 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,224 by 2041. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS0171
CrossesBear Creek
Location0.5 Mi. N. of LA 512
RouteU.S. Route 171
CountyDe Soto Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.87329, -93.6959
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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,659 (2021)
Projected traffic6,224 by 2041
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US0171 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is US0171 over Bear Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US0171 over Bear Creek carry?

About 5,659 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US0171 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US0171 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.