US Bridges

Brandon Cotton RD over Terre Blanc Bayou

PoorPosted for load

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana · 0.73 M. W. of LA 485 · Structure no. 083531463931791

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
61 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
92
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Brandon Cotton RD over Terre Blanc Bayou is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying Brandon Cotton RD over Terre Blanc Bayou in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 92 vehicles a day, projected to reach 101 by 2042. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBrandon Cotton RD
CrossesTerre Blanc Bayou
Location0.73 M. W. of LA 485
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyNatchitoches Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.772, -93.2995
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.6 US tons
Inventory rating16.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic92 (2022)
Projected traffic101 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$231,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Brandon Cotton RD over Terre Blanc Bayou built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Brandon Cotton RD over Terre Blanc Bayou 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 2024.

How much traffic does Brandon Cotton RD over Terre Blanc Bayou carry?

About 92 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Brandon Cotton RD over Terre Blanc Bayou?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Brandon Cotton RD over Terre Blanc Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.