US Bridges

E. Butcher Switch over Oak Coulee

Fair

Lafayette Parish, Louisiana · 1.80MI E of I-49 · Structure no. 032830172915951

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,003
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

E. Butcher Switch over Oak Coulee is a concrete slab carrying E. Butcher Switch over Oak Coulee in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 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 1,003 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,103 by 2040. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesE. Butcher Switch
CrossesOak Coulee
Location1.80MI E of I-49
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLafayette Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates30.28618, -91.99248
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating65 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,003 (2020)
Projected traffic1,103 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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was E. Butcher Switch over Oak Coulee built?

It was built in 2006, making it 19 years old in 2025.

What condition is E. Butcher Switch over Oak 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does E. Butcher Switch over Oak Coulee carry?

About 1,003 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is E. Butcher Switch over Oak Coulee?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns E. Butcher Switch over Oak Coulee?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.