US Bridges

Marvin Head RD over South Prong Prarion Bayo

Fair

Ouachita Parish, Louisiana · U Mi. E. Hwy. 557 · Structure no. 053732204921211

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
47 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
228
1979 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Marvin Head RD over South Prong Prarion Bayo is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Marvin Head RD over South Prong Prarion Bayo in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older 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.

It carries about 228 vehicles a day, projected to reach 250 by 1999. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMarvin Head RD
CrossesSouth Prong Prarion Bayo
LocationU Mi. E. Hwy. 557
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOuachita Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates32.3433, -92.20323
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.
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic228 (1979)
Projected traffic250 by 1999
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$187,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Marvin Head RD over South Prong Prarion Bayo built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Marvin Head RD over South Prong Prarion Bayo 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Marvin Head RD over South Prong Prarion Bayo carry?

About 228 vehicles per day (1979 count).

How long is Marvin Head RD over South Prong Prarion Bayo?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Marvin Head RD over South Prong Prarion Bayo?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.