US Bridges

Grappes Bluff RD over Sims Bayou

Fair

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana · Grappes Bluff Road · Structure no. 083531552931221

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
76 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
264
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Grappes Bluff RD over Sims Bayou is a concrete slab carrying Grappes Bluff RD over Sims Bayou in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 6 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 264 vehicles a day, projected to reach 290 by 2042. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGrappes Bluff RD
CrossesSims Bayou
LocationGrappes Bluff Road
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyNatchitoches Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates31.92135, -93.2039
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic264 (2022)
Projected traffic290 by 2042
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Grappes Bluff RD over Sims Bayou built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is Grappes Bluff RD over Sims Bayou 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Grappes Bluff RD over Sims Bayou carry?

About 264 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Grappes Bluff RD over Sims Bayou?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Grappes Bluff RD over Sims Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.