US Bridges

Forest RD over Caney Branch

PoorPosted for load

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana · 0.5 Miles NW of LA 118 · Structure no. 083531253931111

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
38 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
42
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Forest RD over Caney Branch is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying Forest RD over Caney Branch in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 years old, older 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 42 vehicles a day, projected to reach 46 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesForest RD
CrossesCaney Branch
Location0.5 Miles NW of LA 118
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyNatchitoches Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.423, -93.1843
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.3 US tons
Inventory rating17.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic42 (2022)
Projected traffic46 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$160,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Forest RD over Caney Branch built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Forest RD over Caney Branch 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Forest RD over Caney Branch carry?

About 42 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Forest RD over Caney Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Forest RD over Caney Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.