US Bridges

LA0493 over Cane River

Fair

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana · 1.95 Mi. E of Int LA1 · Structure no. 083508351401951

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
402 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
294
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

LA0493 over Cane River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying LA0493 over Cane River in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 years old, older 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 5 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 294 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 323 by 2041. The structure is 402 ft (122.5 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLA0493
CrossesCane River
Location1.95 Mi. E of Int LA1
RouteState Highway 493
CountyNatchitoches Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.59541, -92.9742
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length402 ft (122.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic294 (2021)
Projected traffic323 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 LA0493 over Cane River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is LA0493 over Cane River 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 2024.

How much traffic does LA0493 over Cane River carry?

About 294 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is LA0493 over Cane River?

The structure is 402 ft (122.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns LA0493 over Cane River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.