US Bridges

Old Natchitoches over Black Bayou

Fair

Ouachita Parish, Louisiana · 0.4 MI SW of I-20 · Structure no. 053732297920881

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
133 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
300
1979 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Natchitoches over Black Bayou is a concrete slab carrying Old Natchitoches over Black Bayou in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 300 vehicles a day, projected to reach 330 by 1999. The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Natchitoches
CrossesBlack Bayou
Location0.4 MI SW of I-20
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOuachita Parish
StateLouisiana
Coordinates32.49499, -92.14531
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.8 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length133 ft (40.5 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (1979)
Projected traffic330 by 1999
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Natchitoches over Black Bayou built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Natchitoches over Black 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Old Natchitoches over Black Bayou carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (1979 count).

How long is Old Natchitoches over Black Bayou?

The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Old Natchitoches over Black Bayou?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.