US Bridges

I0049 over Johnson Chute Bayou

Fair

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana · 6.29 Mi. N of LA6 · Structure no. 083504550635551

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
410 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
18,305
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I0049 over Johnson Chute Bayou is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I0049 over Johnson Chute Bayou in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 18,305 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,135 by 2041. The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI0049
CrossesJohnson Chute Bayou
Location6.29 Mi. N of LA6
RouteInterstate 49
CountyNatchitoches Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.80578, -93.2134
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length410 ft (125 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,305 (2021)
Projected traffic20,135 by 2041
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 I0049 over Johnson Chute Bayou built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is I0049 over Johnson Chute 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does I0049 over Johnson Chute Bayou carry?

About 18,305 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is I0049 over Johnson Chute Bayou?

The structure is 410 ft (125 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I0049 over Johnson Chute Bayou?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.