US Bridges

Topsy Bel Rd. over Marsh Bayou

Fair

Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana · 1.6 MI E of Welcome RD · Structure no. 072730239930771

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
138 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,800
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Topsy Bel Rd. over Marsh Bayou is a concrete slab carrying Topsy Bel Rd. over Marsh Bayou in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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.

It carries about 1,800 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,980 by 2039. The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTopsy Bel Rd.
CrossesMarsh Bayou
Location1.6 MI E of Welcome RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson Davis Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.39761, -93.12834
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length138 ft (42.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,800 (2019)
Projected traffic1,980 by 2039
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Topsy Bel Rd. over Marsh Bayou built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is Topsy Bel Rd. over Marsh 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Topsy Bel Rd. over Marsh Bayou carry?

About 1,800 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Topsy Bel Rd. over Marsh Bayou?

The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Topsy Bel Rd. over Marsh Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.