US Bridges

Vowells Mill RD over Horsepen Creek

FairPosted for load

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana · 1.8 Miles West of LA 117 · Structure no. 083531372931291

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
55 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
42
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Vowells Mill RD over Horsepen Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Vowells Mill RD over Horsepen Creek in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 42 vehicles a day, projected to reach 46 by 2042. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesVowells Mill RD
CrossesHorsepen Creek
Location1.8 Miles West of LA 117
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyNatchitoches Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.61891, -93.2163
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating16 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic42 (2022)
Projected traffic46 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$211,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Vowells Mill RD over Horsepen Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Vowells Mill RD over Horsepen Creek 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Vowells Mill RD over Horsepen Creek carry?

About 42 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Vowells Mill RD over Horsepen Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Vowells Mill RD over Horsepen Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.