US Bridges

Bell Road over Mill Branch

PoorPosted for load

Grant Parish, Louisiana · 0.75 M. N. of JCT LA 123 · Structure no. 082231388922871

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bell Road over Mill Branch is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying Bell Road over Mill Branch in Grant Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger than the Louisiana average of 43 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 15 vehicles a day, projected to reach 16 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBell Road
CrossesMill Branch
Location0.75 M. N. of JCT LA 123
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGrant Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.64764, -92.4777
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2022)
Projected traffic16 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$160,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bell Road over Mill Branch built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bell Road over Mill Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does Bell Road over Mill Branch carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Bell Road over Mill Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Bell Road over Mill Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.