US Bridges

Red Cut RD over Watson Branch

FairPosted for load

Ouachita Parish, Louisiana · MI E HWY 557 · Structure no. 053732222921041

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
270
1979 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Red Cut RD over Watson Branch is a concrete slab carrying Red Cut RD over Watson Branch in Ouachita 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 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 270 vehicles a day, projected to reach 297 by 1999. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRed Cut RD
CrossesWatson Branch
LocationMI E HWY 557
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOuachita Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates32.37004, -92.17516
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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating28.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic270 (1979)
Projected traffic297 by 1999
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$217,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Red Cut RD over Watson Branch built?

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

What condition is Red Cut RD over Watson Branch 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Red Cut RD over Watson Branch carry?

About 270 vehicles per day (1979 count).

How long is Red Cut RD over Watson Branch?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Red Cut RD over Watson Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.