US Bridges

Merle Gustafson RD over Panola Bayou

Fair

Madison Parish, Louisiana · 1.1 MI N of US 80 · Structure no. 053300000400303

Built
2010
15 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
150
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Merle Gustafson RD over Panola Bayou is a concrete culvert carrying Merle Gustafson RD over Panola Bayou in Madison Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 2010, so it is 15 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 150 vehicles a day, projected to reach 165 by 2036. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesMerle Gustafson RD
CrossesPanola Bayou
Location1.1 MI N of US 80
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyMadison Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates32.41091, -91.14727
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2016)
Projected traffic165 by 2036
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 Merle Gustafson RD over Panola Bayou built?

It was built in 2010, making it 15 years old in 2025.

What condition is Merle Gustafson RD over Panola 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Merle Gustafson RD over Panola Bayou carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is Merle Gustafson RD over Panola Bayou?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Merle Gustafson RD over Panola Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.