US Bridges

Natchitoches Rd. over Coulee

FairPosted for load

Evangeline Parish, Louisiana · 0.40 MI NW of US 167 · Structure no. 032030419921771

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
445
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Natchitoches Rd. over Coulee is a steel culvert carrying Natchitoches Rd. over Coulee in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 6 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 445 vehicles a day, projected to reach 489 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesNatchitoches Rd.
CrossesCoulee
Location0.40 MI NW of US 167
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyEvangeline Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.69873, -92.29525
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating82.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic445 (2020)
Projected traffic489 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$114,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchitoches Rd. over Coulee built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Natchitoches Rd. over Coulee 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Natchitoches Rd. over Coulee carry?

About 445 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Natchitoches Rd. over Coulee?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns Natchitoches Rd. over Coulee?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.