US Bridges

Nelson RD over Brushy Creek

PoorPosted for load

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana · 0.13 M. W. of LA 120 · Structure no. 083531431932001

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
52 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
72
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nelson RD over Brushy Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nelson RD over Brushy Creek in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 72 vehicles a day, projected to reach 79 by 2042. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesNelson RD
CrossesBrushy Creek
Location0.13 M. W. of LA 120
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyNatchitoches Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.71776, -93.3334
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating18.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic72 (2022)
Projected traffic79 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$204,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nelson RD over Brushy Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nelson RD over Brushy Creek 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 Nelson RD over Brushy Creek carry?

About 72 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Nelson RD over Brushy Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Nelson RD over Brushy Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.