US Bridges

LA0478 over B. Demuse East Tributary

Poor

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana · 1.78 Mi. West of LA 117 · Structure no. 083501160203481

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
30 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
116
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0478 over B. Demuse East Tributary is a steel culvert carrying LA0478 over B. Demuse East Tributary in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 4 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.

It carries about 116 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 127 by 2041. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 80 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0478
CrossesB. Demuse East Tributary
Location1.78 Mi. West of LA 117
RouteState Highway 478
CountyNatchitoches Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.56371, -93.2332
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating82.1 US tons
Inventory rating63.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width80 ft (24.4 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic116 (2021)
Projected traffic127 by 2041
Trucks14%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 LA0478 over B. Demuse East Tributary built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0478 over B. Demuse East Tributary 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does LA0478 over B. Demuse East Tributary carry?

About 116 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is LA0478 over B. Demuse East Tributary?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 80 ft wide.

Who owns LA0478 over B. Demuse East Tributary?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.